Medical & Healthcare

Continuing and concluding the theme of my previous two columns, this month's installment provides additional tips for enhancing the operation of a manual milling machine.

Drilling cross-holes in some parts is no big deal. These are often simple parts, such as aluminum valve bodies, where the holes aren't too deep and meet on-center, and the customer can live with a small burr at the intersection.

X-ray scanning a part with internal features is useful because it creates 2-D images of those features in a nondestructive manner. Industrial computed-tomography, or industrial CT scanning, which is based on X-ray scanning technology, takes it a step further by providing a complete 3-D view for internal and external analysis.

New JetSleeve from Bilz Tool Co. Inc. is for enhancing milling tasks by providing more performance due to precise coolant supply.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has introduced the Nakamura-Tome NTJ-100 Multitasking Turn/Mill Center, which is well-suited for a wide range of production needs.

Medical part manufacturing continues to be a rapidly growing market due to the large population of aging baby boomers who are looking for "improved quality of life." Demand is high for high-precision components for neurological, orthopeadic, spinal/bone fixation, dental implants, drug infusion, catheter connectors, optical, maxillofacial, micro/minimally invasive, surgical instruments and other medical devices, most of which can be manufactured on the Hardinge QUEST SUPER-PRECISION GT27 gang-tool turning center.

In many industrial cleaning applications the use of solvents yields valuable process advantages. Committed to making optimum use of these benefits, Durr Ecoclean keeps refining and improving its equipment portfolio continually.

Raydiance Inc., an industrial grade femtosecond laser manufacturer based in Petaluma, Calif., recently introduced the R-Drill 200 — a packaged, factory-ready microhole drilling solution for precision manufacturers.

MecWash Systems recently introduced its Duo 400 compact, fully automatic and self-contained aqueous cleaning system. Said to meet the highest "visually clean and dry" cleanliness and inspection standards, the Duo 400 is ideal for cell-manufacturing or within a centralized layout, according to the company.

Hardinge provides gripping solutions for machining small-diameter parts for medical component manufacturing. One category of products includes Swiss-type headstock collets, pickoff collets, carbide guide bushings, bar loader collets and custom manufactured solutions for Swiss turning.

Comco Inc. offers the latest advances in Shot Peening Technology with our new Precision Shot Peening Equipment for demanding production or job shop environments.

Shop Operations columnist Tom Lipton offers tips for enhancing the operation of a manual milling machine.