Originally Published MPMN September 2007

OUTSOURCING OUTLOOK

Machining

When evaluating a machine shop, it comes down to the machines and the systems used to control them. If there are a hundred machines of the same type, the shop probably makes one type of product very well. But if there are six different types of CNC machine tools—two or three of each—then there is a wide breadth of services that can be performed for the OEM.

Ideally, when a design comes in through the door, it is optimized for manufacturability. Expertise in material selection can be an important attribute for a machine shop. Many times, an OEM may choose a material because it is in its database, not realizing that the material isn’t suited for the particular application or process. Often a machine shop can suggest alternative options that enable the OEM to save money, and improve quality, performance, or manufacturability.

Additional considerations include tool usage. There are a large number of cutting tools, and tool selection is a key factor in manufacturability. A good machine shop also can often reduce tool wear, optimize tool paths, and provide upfront services that will make the product better over the long term.

Machined Parts Supplier Specializes in Stainless-Steel Turned Parts

Per customer design specifications, a contract manufacturer of engineered machined parts and assemblies supplies CNC-turned parts made out of bar stock, castings, and forgings. Specializing in stainless-steel turned parts, the company processes materials such as stainless-steel Types 303, 304, 316, and 17-4 pH; alloy steel; carbon steel; aluminum; and plastics. CNC machines are supported by a setup for conventional machines. The company supplies to medical device OEMs in the United States, India, and other countries.
Abhijeet Manufacturing, Vadodara, India
www.abhijeetmanufacturing.com

Contract Manufacturer Provides Tubular Components and Assemblies

A company offers machining of tubular components and assemblies. Services include prototypes, design assistance, and precision CNC machining and turning. Needle and wire component machining, assemblies, and component manufacturing are also available. The company’s facilities have CNC, EDM, electrochemical grinding and cutting equipment, and are supported by full-time tooling and engineering departments.
Popper & Sons, New Hyde Park, NY
www.popperandsons.com

One-Stop Machining Shop Offers Product Design, Prototyping, and Long-Run Production

A producer of Swiss- and CNC-machined metal and plastic components assists with services ranging from design to making prototypes to the machining of parts. The company offers 13-axis turning capability, turning diameters of less than 0.010 in., tolerances of ±0.0002 in., the ability to handle medical-grade alloys and plastics, and microsurface finishes. EDM services are offered in addition to CNC milling and turning of stainless steels, medical alloys, and plastics.
Synovis Interventional Solutions Inc., Lino Lakes, MN
www.synovismed.com

Service Provider Equipped with More than 75 Multiple-Axis CNC Turning Machines

A company manufactures precision components from high-performance plastics, metals, and ultrahard materials. Specialized competencies have been developed to achieve challenging dimensions, tolerances, and geometries. Engineers can help select materials as well as production and tooling methods for medical device applications. Equipped with more than 75 multiple-axis CNC turning machines, and more than 20 CNC lathes and screw machines, the company’s machining capabilities include ultraclose tolerances to ±0.000005 in., flat lapping and polishing, grinding, and holes as small as 0.004 in. in plastics and 0.007 in. in metals.
IDEX Medical, Oak Harbor, WA
www.idexmedical.com

High-Performance Plastics Machined to Specifications

A company specializes exclusively in machining high-performance plastics. Operating in a plant designed specifically for that purpose, the service provider offers numerous related capabilities including CNC machining, six-axis controlled turning, computerized routing, manual and computerized lathes, precision grinding, large-capacity heat-treating, and reverse engineering services. The plant is equipped with visual inspection equipment and a coordinate-measuring machine. A large volume and variety of engineering plastics and experienced advice on materials selection are also available.
Boedeker Plastics Inc., Shiner, TX
www.boedeker.com

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