MPMN: March 1997
Machining
Full Five-Axis Micromachining Center Developed
Can achieve precise end-mill and drill diametersA FULL FIVE-AXIS MICROMACHINING CENTER is available from Hansco Technologies (Montvale, NJ). The Willemin W-408 performs complex milling jobs with full machining on five sides of a 3-in. cube. It also features true simultaneous five-axis machining to precise tolerances. The B-axis table rotates from 35° to 105°. A 3-hp integrated vertical spindle runs up to 40,000 rpm. The machine is especially useful for parts requiring end-mill and drill diameters of 0.020 in. or smaller, as is often common in medical device applications. Other features include linear guides with glass scale feedback on all three axes for maximum precision and long life; 800 in./min rapid feed; 5-second tool change chip-to-chip at 6000 rpm; and a 24-position tool magazine, with 48- and 96-position tool magazines optional. Available options include automatic part loading, Renishaw probing system, Fanuc control, and through-the-spindle coolant.
Guidewires
Hydrophilic Coated Wires Offer High Lubricity Coating is less than 0.0004 in. thick
BELDEN WIRE & CABLE B.V. (The Netherlands) has broadened its range of coated wires for the medical device industry with the introduction of its Slipskin hydrophilic coated wires. The unique combination of a very thin coating and high lubricity makes it possible to manufacture guidewires with traditional designs, such as spring coiled, j-tips, and steerables. The wires are up to three times as lubricious as PTFE-coated guidewires.
The Slipskin's coating material is optimized for both lubricity and adhesion to the base wire. Because the coating is less than 0.0004 in. thick, it allows for new design opportunities. The thin coating also allows the material to wet quickly, giving the guidewire its slipperiness after being dipped in water for less than one second.
The Slipskin coated steel wire is available in diameters ranging from 0.002 to 0.040 in. For extra-stiff guidewires, coated flat wire is available. Slipskin is also available with metals other than stainless steel. Nitinol wire provides the straightness and kink resistance desired by manufacturers of special guidewire designs.
Manufacturing Equipment
Injection Molding Machine Features All-Electrical Actuation Eliminates oil leaks and spills
CINCINNATI MILACRON (Batavia, OH) has introduced a sanitary injection molding machine for makers of slide clamps, roller clamps, drip chambers, spikes, syringes, connectors, and other plastic parts.
Unlike hydraulically driven machines, the Elektra machine uses all-electrical actuation, thereby eliminating not only oil leaks and spills, but also the oil-tank breather that spews mist into the air. The all-electric machine is suitable for use in a cleanroom environment.
Whereas hydraulic machines use pumps that must run at a continuous power level throughout the injection molding cycle, the Elektra's servomotor supplies only the amount of power necessary for each operation. As a result, energy use per part is typically 5090% less than that of traditional machines.
The machine allows molders of tight-tolerance parts to speed production. Its electromechanical drive permits high-resolution resolver feedback and eliminates the positioning variation caused by continually changing oil properties. The accurate positioning lets precision molders maximize the percentage of acceptable parts in every batch, while ensuring that their expensive molds won't be damaged. Mold changeover is also more productive because molders who switch frequently between different molds can do so on the Elektra without the start-up delay for stabilizing hydraulic-fluid temperature.
