Improving production of backbone back-up supports

END USER: ulrich medical, +49-731-9654-0, www.ulrichmedical.com.
CHALLENGE: Extend tool life when machining titanium vertebrae implants and supports.
SOLUTION: A shrink-fit collet and collet chuck system.
SOLUTION PROVIDER: Bilz Tool Co. Inc., (847) 734-9390, www.bilzusa.com.

Implants and supports in the vertebrae are helping more patients overcome a common disorder: back pain. In many cases, the prosthesis eliminates the need for surgically induced stiffening of the vertebrae in the affected area, allowing the the body to retain its flexibility.

Because they are corrosion-resistant and the human body tolerates them, titanium alloys are common materials for prosthetic components. In addition, titanium alloys withstand the high stresses exerted on the components, enabling them to continue to function faultlessly for extended periods.

Courtesy of Bilz Tool

After switching to the TER shrink-fit collet and collet chuck system from Bilz, ulrich medical increased tool life 300 percent.

After a surgery, an oxide layer develops on the surface of an implant, a “passivating effect.” This prevents titanium from passing into the body.