Originally Published MDDI July 2002
METALWORKING
A Gathering of Minds|
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Sanjay Shrivastava, chair of the task force, says that the activities developed by the task force will not only serve suppliers of materials, but device manufacturers and healthcare professionals as well. He notes that all three groups require knowledge of mechanical properties, thermal and mechanical processing, bonding, joining, and surface modification.
There are many organizations that serve the broad field of biotechnology and biomaterials. However, Shrivastava says, "It is clear that these organizations do not have a strong base in the information related to metallic materials. ASM has an opportunity to fill this gap."
Those interested in joining the MMD task force are encouraged to do so at http://www.asminternational.org.
On a smaller scale, a provider of micromachining services has established a technology forum that bridges the gap between its manufacturing plants. The company is divided into six plants, five of which perform precision machining operations. "The plants are, for lack of a better definition, compartmentalized by the size of their equipment. So on one end, we are micromachining, while on the other end, we can lift a hundred tons and turn a 22-ft lathe," says James Meier, marketing manager of Remmele Engineering, Micromachining Div.
Remmele's in-house technology forum consists of a gathering of technical staff and engineers. "It rotates from plant to plant every two or three months for a day or half a day. They talk about machining issues that may concern more than one plant," explains Meier.
The forum acts as a communication medium for company personnel. And in an industry where success rests heavily on clear lines of communication, in-house technology forums should become standard.
Copyright ©2002 Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry
