Uses for Swiss Screw Machined Components in the Medical Industry

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In order to complete intricate surgeries and diagnose patients with complex health complications, the medical industry relies heavily on advanced technology. Each day, just as there are constant discoveries in the medical field, technological advancements in medical devices allow doctors and surgeons to continue to push boundaries in their specialties and provide a higher level of medical care.

When it comes to creating advanced medical technologies and devices, precision Swiss screw machined components play a critical role. The ability to manufacture components to the precise specifications and with superior quality control and in a variety of materials relies not only on advanced machinery, but also an experienced workforce. At Sheldon Precision, our team of knowledgeable engineers and machinist are able to produce precision parts from .015″ to 1.125″ in diameter, with the ability to hold tolerances of ± .0002″.

Some of the most common devices that utilize components manufactured in our Swiss screw machine plant include:

Orthopedic Devices
Diagnostic equipment
Minimally Invasive Surgical Equipment
Dental Implants & Equipment
Wound Care
Cardiology Devices

Swiss screw machined components touch many important applications within the medical industry. Whether you are looking for short-run prototypes for testing or full-scale production of your medical application, contact us [sheldonprecision.com/request-a-quote/] for a competitive custom quote.

From Turret Lathe to Modern Day Swiss Screw Machine

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While Sheldon Precision has been manufacturing precision machined components since 1969, Swiss Screw Machining dates way back to the mid-1800s. In America, Joseph R Brown patented a machine for cutting spills and coined the term “screw machine”. His screw machine was an improvement on the turret lathe, a machine used to make several tools at once. 

At the same time, the Swiss were developing a similar machine to be used for watchmaking. 

A few years later in 1880, the first fully automated screw machine was made by the engineers at Brown and Sharpe, led by Oscar S. Beale.  

Finally, from the 1940-50s, engineers developed the technology we know today as CNC, Computer Numerical Controlled technology. Once developed, they were able to make the first CNC Swiss screw machines in the 1970s. While it was first used in electronics and the semiconductor industry, by the 1990s they had also done extensive work within aerospace, healthcare, and industrial applications. 

As a company, we use CNC Swiss Screw machines heavily in our work with aerospace applications. Using state of the art machinery and skilled operators, we turn our precise components in a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and titanium. By using CNC Swiss Screw machines in combination with any of our high end materials, you are sure to get the best parts for your next aerospace project.

Whether you are looking for short-run prototypes or full-scale production of aerospace components, contact us [sheldonprecision.com/request-a-quote/] for a custom quote.

Precision Machining at Sheldon Precision

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Precision machining is a process used to remove material from a workpiece while holding close tolerance finishes. It is a type of machining that shapes large pieces and sometimes small pieces of material into smaller complex parts so they fit exactly where they need to be to perform a specific task.

At Sheldon Precision, we have the capability to produce both large and small objects that are used in several different industries. From the production of surgical tools to artillery components, different controls and valves to electronics, precision machining reaches every industry.

Sheldon Precision’s capabilities include many machine types such as milling, turning and electrical discharge machining. Producing complex objects requires different levels of machinist skills in order to precisely manufacture each piece. A professional, highly-trained and experienced machinist follows a specific blueprint of the object for quality precision.

These blueprints are made by CAD (computer aided design) or CAM (computer aided manufacturing) programs. CAD and CAM programs are software programs that produce three dimensional outlines necessary for manufacturing the object. Not only does precision machining design and cut different metals, it may also work with graphite, glass and plastics.

To produce quality and accurate objects, CNC (computer numerical control) programming is used to follow exact dimensions throughout the run of a product. The cutting tool is directed to make the necessary cuts with specific cutting speeds. Each cut is supervised by an expert machinist to produce high quality and accurate parts. Quality inspection and control is a critical step in the precision machining process. This ensures the parts are being manufactured to exact specifications consistently.

At Sheldon Precision, you’ll find a quality team of experienced engineers and machinists along with an arsenal of sophisticated manufacturing machinery and quality assurance systems.

CNC Machining in the Medical Industry

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Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process in which the computer software controls the movement of the cutter. It is especially important for manufacturing tools for the medical industry in order to successfully have a positive impact on people’s lives. CNC machines are able to fabricate small medical components with precision utilizing CNC machining to manufacture lifesaving medical devices. Sheldon Precision is dedicated to the importance of delivering accurate and quality machining. Each CNC process is monitored by a trained expert to monitor the manufacturing of the worlds smallest medical components.

  1. Some of the manufactured medical components include:

Bone screws

Surgical tools

Reamers

Respirator components

Spacers

Hose barbs

Brass inserts

Precision shafts

Manifolds

Sheldon Precision is able to manufacture complex materials with accuracy. Manufacturing these components require sophisticated machining to create tight-tolerance features on these parts. At Sheldon Precision, we are dependable at delivering quality components that meet your expectations.

Why You Should Swiss Machine Your Plastic Components?

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Sheldon Precision understands that the integrity of a precise machined part begins with using high quality materials. When using Swiss machines more material options are available to manufacture than in injection molding. Not only can Swiss machines manufacturer aluminum, copper, and steel, they also can manufacture plastic components as well.

CNC Swiss machines work with the right tooling speeds to overcome temperature restrictions experienced when working with thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers. At Sheldon Precision, we specialize in machining any material suitable for CNC Swiss machines. The elasticity of our CNC Swiss machines allows you to choose any material for your next design. We are able to manufacture plastic components with accuracy and optical clarity.

CNC Swiss machines can reach ultra-high tolerance, down to 0.0002” which is implausible for injection molding processes. Set up and tooling costs are more cost-effective than mold development for short to medium runs. This is very helpful for companies who rely on just-in-time shipping, that need to oversee their supply chain at a very granular level. Swiss machines are able to control fluctuating production volumes when inventory is not wanted. Swiss machining is the most efficient choice when working with small complex components.

A major problem when working with injection molding is it can leave weld lines, parting lines, gate markers, and ejector pin marks. This problem requires additional maintenance to complete the part. However, CNC Swiss machining does not require any post fabrication finishing because it does not leave unwanted marks. This feature in CNC Swiss machining can dramatically decrease the cost-per-part. In addition, infusing molten plastic in the small gaps of a mold might be close to impossible because there is no correct balance of material temperature and injection pressure to eliminate the resistance to the plastic flow.

At Sheldon Precision, we manufacture plastic parts for a variety of industries such as medical, dental, electronics, and military. With our experience in fabrication and design, we can help you determine the best plastic material for your part.

 

Swiss Screw Machining in the Military Industry

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At Sheldon Precision, we understand the defense industry requires strong and precise machined parts vital for the protection of the armed forces and national security. From prototype to precision, we provide parts specializing in high tolerance and high precision machining. Our advanced machinery successfully parts implemented in military goods such as missiles, fighter aircrafts, and military ships. With our expertise in working with materials such as titanium, aluminum, stainless, steel, and copper, we are capable of manufacturing goods completely in house. We are dedicated to meet the rigorous demands of the military industry and the safety of our military troops because we value quality and accuracy. We have a trusted staff working closely to monitor every process in the development and assembling of machined parts.

 

What is CNC Turning?

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What Is CNC Turning?
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is an intricate method for creating parts using a lathe. This method is used to create detailed patterns in metals that are difficult to do by hand. CNC turning is computer controlled to precisely cut materials into a final product. This process is able to create accurate cylindrical cuts to produce circular/tubular parts. The CNC machine cuts to ensure accuracy so the products are mass produced into precise, complexed designs.

How Does It Work?
The CNC Turning engineer decides on which cutting tools to use to set up the lathe. The engineer also chooses a clamping method to hold the material firmly in place. Next, the engineer works with the computer to tell the lathe machine to move and cut parts.
This is where the skills come in. The engineer pays attention to make sure the lathe is cutting the material properly. In order to successfully match the dimensions the engineer may use a blueprint to cut with precision.
After the material is cut, the part is sent to be assembled.

How Is CNC Turning Different From CNC Milling?
The main difference between the two procedures is the final product they create. CNC milling is computer controlled by a G-code that controls the speed and location of the movements. However, this procedure may also be performed by manual override in order to adjust the process if necessary. The machine can cut a variety of shapes moving along multiple axes. The main responsibility of CNC turning is to cut tubular parts using a single-point cutting tool inserted parallel into the material.

How Swiss Screw Machining Benefits Businesses

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Businesses within aerospace, military, and automotive industries, often require high volume, precise parts to build planes, cars and radar systems. To function, these machines often need hundreds – at times – thousands of precise parts to work in harmony. 

On the surface, manufacturing a functioning machine with various parts can be costly. However, relying on an experienced Swiss screw machine shop can save your business money, time, and provide unmatched quality. Below we explain the benefits of businesses utilizing this technology. 

Swiss screw machining cost

The key to Swiss screw machines efficient, cost effective process can be attributed to how the machines work.

In preparation of manufacturing orders from 100 to 10 million parts, the Swiss screw machines are first calibrated to the dimensions of the specific part, and rarely altered until the project is complete.  More specifically, high-quality precise parts from materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper, and titanium, are produced with minimal adjustments throughout the manufacturing process – saving time and cutting production costs.

Additionally, utilizing a combination of CNC and cam driven Swiss screw machines will decrease manufacturing costs and maintain quality.

Swiss screw machining accuracy

Swiss screw machined medical components used for life-saving applications (medical implants, and surgical tools and machines) leave no room for error. Precise components from .015″ to 1.125″ in diameter are produced time and time again without a dimensional compromise. 

Accurate parts reduce material waste, further improving the cost-effective manufacturing process.  As a TS 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 registered company, Sheldon Precision is continuously improving the quality process for our clients.

Manufacturing accuracy is further reinforced with a series of quality protocols including; laser inspection, automated gauging, and automated sorting and inspection systems.  Working alongside machines are experienced workers who apply their expertise, operating two shifts per day, six days a week to produce precisely what customers need.

Have questions ? Contact us or call (203) 758-4441.  Request a free quote today!

Swiss Screw Machining Supporting the Medical Industry

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To put things into perspective, Swiss Screw machining is present each time we visit a doctor’s office or hospital.  During emergency and non-emergency situations, there are a long list of machines, manufactured with Swiss Screw machined parts, that are designed to save lives.

Swiss Screw Machines MedicalIn dire situations, patients may encounter ventilators, respirators, and the valves that operate within them. When time is crucial and there is no room for error, Swiss Screw machined parts manufactured for life-saving machines are reliable, accurate and strong. Swiss Screw machine shops such as ours have the ability and expertise to manufacture a wide range of materials, including, but not limited to: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper, and titanium.

Medical tools, bone screws, and implants are manufactured from these metals and the accuracy of CNC and cam driven Swiss Screw machines produce the vitals parts without compromise.

Additionally, parts for dental work and surgery ranging from .015″ to 1.125″ in diameter can be manufactured at high quantities and hold tolerances of ±0.0002. Producing parts at this scale means every employee must be involved in quality control. The combination of Automated gauging, laser inspection and automated inspection systems make sure the parts are manufactured to their dimensions quickly and efficiently as well.

As medicine evolves, Swiss Screw machining will be alongside innovative life-saving machines in the medical industry.

3 Ways CNC and Swiss Screw Machining Will Shape The Future

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CNC or computer numeric control machining continues to grow with the rise of new technologies across many industries. More specifically, Swiss screw machining is a cost-effective solution for future company demands and capabilities.

Alternative energy

CNC machined parts accompany systems that harness alternative sources of energy. For example, Swiss screw machining is featured in solar panel systems that generate electricity and heat water for residential and commercial properties. As the country continues to shift to renewable energy sources, the demand for CNC machined parts that help technology function will also increase.

CNC Machined parts for Solar panels

High-Volume processes

Building millions of smartphones and military equipment require reliable and accurate parts to get the job done. CNC machined parts are also called upon in these circumstances. Projects that exceed 5 million parts are manufactured efficiently and accurately, trimming costs and time for companies. Our economy relies on innovation and scale, and that is something that CNC machining can offer without the steep price tag. Swiss screw machining will also provide the comfort of precise work throughout the process.

industries CNC Swiss Screw Machining

Diversity in materials

Take a look around at the materials surrounding us today. Endless electronics, including the smartphone, tablet or desktop you’re reading this post on, contain many CNC machined parts For the electronics we use daily, many require minute parts that can perform multiple tasks. Less is more is true in regard to the number of pieces, but misses the mark when it comes to the materials used. CNC machined parts can be manufactured with a wide variety of materials without compromising the quality and strength of parts. Ultimately, more industries will turn to CNC machined parts as they move towards an ever-evolving future.