Originally Published MPMN January/February 2008

MD&M WEST: FIRST-TIME EXHIBITORS

Company Is Wired for Medical Manufacturing

Daniel Grace

As its customers have changed, so has D&S Wire (Elk Grove Village, IL). “For many years, we supplied metal pins for padlocks, but a lot of that market has moved offshore,” says David Kerr, sales manager. “The lock makers have had to look for new domestic business for their capabilities, and one area they’ve ended up is the medical sector.”

Offering products and services suitable for the manufacture of surgical instruments, the company has managed to retain its long-time customers, many of whom are domestic OEMs who have seen portions of their business move offshore and have turned to the burgeoning domestic medical industry as an alternative. In turn, D&S Wire has seen its medical business expand from 5% 5 years ago to 20% today, and this trend is the driving force behind the company’s decision to exhibit at MD&M West for the first time.

Wire Type 303 is the company’s own custom-grade stainless-steel wire for medical applications. Compliant with AST F899 standards for the manufacture of surgical instruments, the wire is available in 80 intermediate sizes, down to 0.015 in. All wire is machined to application specifications, since the company offers no finished materials. Its machining services can include redrawing, straightening, and centerless grinding of round, square, rectangular, and hexagonal wire. Coil sizes range from 8 in., with a maximum coil weight of 10 lb, to 26 in., with a maximum coil weight of 700 lb. Lengths can be cut from 1 to 146 in., with a maximum length of 72 in. for wire sizes smaller than 0.030 in.

The company also features an inspection department equipped with laser micrometers, surface testers, tensile testers, dial indicators, verniers, and micrometers. Custom packaging is used for all shipments, including wood boxes that are built to the exact dimensions of all bars. Coils are divided by cardboard in both skids and drums to keep the material from shifting and being scratched in transit. All material is labeled with complete order information and material certification, and custom bar code labels are available upon request.

Kerr expects the company’s trend toward medical manufacturing to continue. “We are now looking into supplying implant-quality grades,” Kerr says. “This is something our medical customers have requested, and we’re always looking for new ways to grow.”

www.dswire.com

Booth #591

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