Originally Published MPMN March 2005

OutsourcingOutlook

Machining

Strip Steel Customized for Spring Manufacturers

Strip steel for spring manufacturing is produced using automated processes. Custom-manufactured to uniform specifications, the steel is precision-crafted with consistent hardness from coil to coil. The process eliminates soft spots in the continuous coil. Engineered tempering solutions, finishing options, and other services are offered to spring manufacturers. The spring steel is packaged in either traditional flat-ribbon coils up to 60 in. outside diam or in compact, oscillating coil spools up to 2000 lb.
Blue Blade Steel Co., Kenilworth, NJ www.bluebladesteel.com

CNC Machining Available on Plastic and Metal Parts

Advanced CNC production machining of nonferrous, ferrous, and plastic parts is available. The company provides CNC screw machining, five-axis machined prototypes from billet stock, and FDM RP prototypes in ABS from CAD files. Precision CNC machining of castings is also offered. Specialized CNC-controlled machining cells are designed and assembled in-house. CNC Technologies Inc., Bensenville, IL www.cnc-technology.com

Sheet-Metal Specialist Has Added Capabilities

Sheet-metal parts designed with mechanical CAD systems can be quickly formed and laser cut using a company’s new processes. Once the CAD files are received, the company can create sheet-metal prototypes and short-run parts by using Cincinnati press brakes and a newly acquired Cincinnati CL-6 2000-W laser cutting system. Parts can be manufactured using aluminum, cold rolled steel, stainless steel, or copper. Typical components include consoles, housings, chassis, enclosures, brackets, panels, and weldments.Rapid Sheet Metal, Nashua, NHwww.rapidsheetmetal.com

Electrochemical Cutters Used for Machining Metal Tubing

High-speed, burr-free electrochemical cutters and grinders are used in machining metal tubular components. The cutters achieve consistent burr-free results at minimum cutting lengths of 0.100 in. and gauges as small as 30G with 0.31 mm outside diam. Materials include all varieties of 300-series stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, and other alloys. The company also fabricates metal tubular components. Processes include swaging, bending, flaring, tip reducing, coiling, EDM, CNC turning, and laser welding. Laser engraving, electropolishing, micropolishing, grit blasting, wire bending and forming, and general machining are also offered. Popper and Sons Inc., New Hyde Park, NY www.popperandsons.com

Processing Shop Has Been Expanded

A company has expanded its contract laser processing shop to install new micromachining and microwelding lasers dedicated to processing medical devices. Specializing in high-precision work, the firm has multiple CO2 and Nd:YAG laser systems with
two- to four-axis CNC motion systems. Capabilities include laser cutting, welding, marking, and drilling of various metals, polymers, and ceramics. The company also performs inert atmosphere hermetic welding of aluminum, steel, stainless-steel, and titanium medical devices. Directed Light Inc., San Jose, CA www.directedlight.com

CNC Milling Capabilities Expanded

A company has recently expanded its CNC milling department. A Haas Super VF3 five-axis vertical milling center and a Haas Super VF2 four-axis vertical milling center have been added. Titanium, stainless-steel, and PEEK medical implants and components can be machined at the facility. Specialized Medical Devices, Lancaster, PA www.specializedmedical.com

Laser Cutting, Welding Among Available Services

High-precision material processing services are based on laser technology. A medical device contract manufacturer has expertise in laser cutting and welding of various tube and sheet materials. Stainless steel, nickel titanium, and L605 can be cut into small medical components, such as stents, with dimensional tolerances of 0.005 mm. The company also welds thin foils and wires, thermally sensitive sensors, surgical instruments, and implantable devices. Customized processing and complete mechanical manufacturing capabilities are available. Meko, Sarstedt, Germany www.meko.de

Company Adds Machined Metal Fabrication Capabilities

A tool design and fabrication business has added machined metal fabrication to its list of available services. Its capabilities include multiaxis CNC Swiss turning, wire and plunge EDM, five-axis machining, deburring, and precision cleaning and finishing. Resistance and laser welding are also available. In addition, the company offers design and engineering services, R&D and prototyping, cleanroom assembly, and contract manufacturing. Donatelle, New Brighton, MN www.donatelle.net

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