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GOING LONG: Planning for the future of the medical device industry through proactive quality assurance and supply chain management

Banner Medical is committed to a uniquely ambitious approach to quality assurance – developed specifically for the evolving, critical needs of the medical device industry. To date, no other medical device materials supplier has achieved a greater degree of sophistication or engaged in a more data-intensive approach to developing and bullet-proofing processes. Banner believes this investment achieves multiple payoffs – in relationship-building with customers, in risk mitigation, and in long-term success for all.

The background of Banner’s industry-leading quality assurance program and supply chain management solution includes many and varied factors. Each individually could provide justification for a major initiative on the part of a responsible, forward-thinking supplier. Collectively, these reasons make an inarguable case for new, stronger management of the supply chain.

Let’s review the reasons why Banner has so vigorously engaged in the industry’s leading quality assurance program.

Reason #1: Because the supply chain needs help

The medical device industry has witnessed a series of costly and dangerous failures resulting from the dilution of device manufacturer standards down the supply chain. The buyer of materials must indeed beware of superficial quality measures and undocumented changes.

An approach that emphasizes prevention represents a viable solution. By investing in supplier relationships premised on stringent purchasing controls, the device manufacturer considerably diminishes the likelihood of a hugely expensive failure and recall with liability. The 1:10:100 rule holds that a dollar spent on prevention of a quality problem forestalls the expenditure of $10 on correction or $100 to rectify a failure.

In Japan and Germany, single sourcing is common and relationships can be decades long; suppliers are considered an extension of the customer company’s operation. American firms have historically not taken this approach. So, American device manufacturers generally work with approved supplier lists that have grown large and consequently difficult to manage.

In the past, device manufacturers commonly worked with multiple suppliers for the same material, to minimize the possibility of a supply shortage or to bring down material price through competition.  Today, short-term cost savings are used to justify the multiple-supplier, purchase-order-to-purchase order method. Such near-term savings, however, come with a high potential price: failures that can literally put a device manufacturer out of business. In recent years, thoughtful device manufacturers have concluded that they possess minimal leverage in applying controls to metal melt sources. More than 95% of a typical melt source’s business is outside the medical industry; the melt sources have little incentive to change. Furthermore, device manufacturers often do not buy directly from the melt sources and lacked direct access and contact.

In dealing with suppliers, it is critical that a device manufacturer know how the supplier’s systems have evolved, as did Banner’s, in response to medical device industry needs. Additionally, procedures used to determine acceptability of suppliers must be unambiguous. The ASL should itemize specific products and processes for which the supplier is approved, not just the name of the company. A supplier that has been approved for one product or process should never be assumed to be approved for everything.

Purchasing controls can take many directions in the effort to achieve greater stringency. One promising approach is for device manufacturers to focus on building strategic partnerships with suppliers with the demonstrated capability to provide acceptable product.

Reason #2: Because we’ve got the data

In a time frame coinciding with several high-profile and catastrophic materials problems in the medical device industry, Banner proactively validated all its medical equipment and processes (IQ, OQ & PQ) per FDA protocols.  Furthermore, we developed proprietary and particularly stringent bullet-proofing systems to ensure risk mitigation.

Banner designed experiments to determine “worst case” scenarios and effects of processing parameters on the finished metals regarding mechanical properties and surface conditions for static and dynamic or high stress applications.  Selection criteria for implant and device grades metals were based on 1) difficulty for machining, i.e. chemistry, 2) difficulty to straightening, i.e. very high mechanical properties, and 3) best commonly used coolants ~ Straight Sulfurized oils vs. water soluble coolants.

We determined that softer material such as aluminum, brass, and carbon steel shrink as much as 0.002” on several passes during straightening; meanwhile stainless, CCM and titanium had minimum deflection.  Grades such as Inconel, CCM, 440, 304, and Titanium proved very difficult to turn or grind.  The experiment selected 316, Ti, 17-4A, 17-4H900, 440A and CCM grades based on their status of “most difficult” to machine and because of their extensive use in medical devices and implants (SS, CCM and Ti families). Banner chose minimum and maximum sizes of 0.0250” and 1.000” (based on volume/history) on existing equipment.

For a worst-case scenario on straightening, grinding, and turning processes, bars were processed outside validated parameters.  Then the supplier removed 125 percent of the routing parameter; for example, if the router states 0.010” removal, Banner tried to remove 0.0125” per grinding pass. Banner also ground samples down to 15 percent of the original diameter by volume.  Samples were taken for analysis on surface condition, mechanical properties, and straightness (TIR).

Extensive and detailed protocols determined the effectiveness of equipment function, operations and processes, outputs and revalidation criteria.  Hundreds of samples were sent to a 3^rd party A2LA and NADCAP (Exova) accredited laboratory for analysis.  Multiple samples for each scenario were run and analyzed for repeatability and reproducibility.

The tests concluded that, operating within validated procedures and processes, Banner could produce material that was compliant in terms of mechanical properties without adverse effect on the raw material.  Removing 85 percent volume of stock and straightening 20 times has no negative impact on physical properties and surface conditions, as long as validated processing parameters are followed. Operating outside of the safe zone of validated protocols, processes, and parameters, Banner found adverse impacts on final produced materials.

Titanium Eli Annealed ASTM F136 Verified by 3rd Party Lab. (Exova)
Sample #	Start Size	Test Size	0.20%YS	UTS	%EL	%RA	Cracks observed at 400x
1	Ø .750″	Ø .251″	137,000	145,500	17.0	50.8	No
2	Ø .750″	Ø .252″	142,000	149,200	17.0	51.8	No
3	Ø .750″	Ø .253″	137,200	147,000	18.0	50.5	Yes
4	Ø .750″	Ø .254″	139,200	148,200	17.0	48.7	Yes
Sample #
1	Material tested as received from mill
2	Material tested as received from mill
3	Processed outside validated parameters
4	Processed outside validated parameters

3 Point Fatigue Test Cycle Counts
Sample #	Start Size	Test Size	Frequency (Hz)	Min Applied Force (lbf)	Max Applied Force (lbf)	~ Min Displacement (in)	~ Max Displacement (in)	Cycles to Failure
1	Ø .750″	Ø .750″	15	-500	-5,000	-0.020	-0.105	16,823
2	Ø .750″	Ø .750″	15	-500	-5,000	-0.020	-0.105	15,334
3	Ø .750″	Ø .750″	15	-500	-5,000	-0.020	-0.105	13,686
4	Ø .750″	Ø .750″	15	-500	-5,000	-0.025	-0.120	4,931
5	Ø .750″	Ø .750″	15	-500	-5,000	-0.025	-0.120	3,012
6	Ø .750″	Ø .750″	15	-500	-5,000	-0.025	-0.120	3,314
Sample #
1	Normal straighten and grind using validated processes
2	Normal straighten and grind using validated processes
3	Normal straighten and grind using validated processes
4	Processed outside validated parameters
5	Processed outside validated parameters
6	Processed outside validated parameters

For example, per the test performed on implantable grade Titanium ELI ASTM F136, 0.750” diameter bar results showed that excessive straightening could induce surface cracks.  Although there was no significant change in the physical properties before and after the test, under dynamic loading (Fatigue Test), the Fatigue cycles were reduced by a factor of 5 when operating outside of highly controlled and proven processes. Application life under validated processes averaged about 15,000 cycles but failure occurred within 20 percent of that application life, at about 3,500 cycles, with processes outside these parameters.

For Banner, an 18-month investment in design of experiment and collection of substantial data and documentation proved most valuable. The findings provided incontrovertible evidence of the need for validated procedures and processes. For Banner customers, the data offer an assurance of quality.

Reason #3: Because the FDA says so

The supply chain stands to receive unprecedented FDA scrutiny in today’s medical device industry. For the FDA, supplier controls represent a top Quality Hot Topic. Specifically, raw materials are increasingly a cause for concern. More than one-third of all 2010 Production and Process Controls (P&PC) subsystem warning letter cites are associated with regulation of material purchasing controls and acceptance activities (Section 820.50 and 820.80).  The FDA continues to add dozens of new field inspectors and contracts with yet more inspectors to increase the agency’s capacity to review purchasing controls and acceptance activities, as well as other quality system matters. This activity included the hiring of more than 700 inspectors to ensure adequate, timely inspections overseas.  The medical device industry cannot afford to pay less attention to quality topics than the FDA.

Recent history has generated considerable concern about the effectiveness of controls through the layers of suppliers to the device industry. Kimberly Trautman, Medical Device Quality Systems/GMP Expert, Office of Compliance, CDRH, FDA suggests that the industry should consider when, not if, additional events will occur. The FDA’s position is that device manufacturers must be accountable for the identification and mitigation of risk in all tiers of their supply chains.  The FDA has acknowledged that, as the medical device industry continues to grow worldwide, the agency’s oversight ability has become strained despite added resources. FDA inspections and authority often extend only to the finished device manufacturer, yet manufacturing of materials, critical components and entire devices is often outsourced; increasingly such outsourcing goes overseas. In response to these realities, the FDA puts its efforts into controlling the entities over which it has jurisdiction: the finished device manufacturer. In turn, the FDA demands that device manufacturers ensure selection of “only those suppliers, contractors, and consultants who have the capability to provide quality products and services.”[1] The finished device manufacturer is ultimately the party legally responsible for compliance with the Quality System regulation and for assuring the safety and effectiveness of the finished device, a point once again emphasized in an August, 2011 FDA Supplier Quality Management Congress presentation by Trautman.

Working within the comprehensive parameters set by the FDA, the medical device industry needs to manage its supply chain with unprecedented vigilance. Device manufacturers must take responsibility for the condition and quality of items purchased. It is imperative to identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain.  Purchase decisions for devices, raw materials and services must be made with consideration to risk-based principles.  Poor purchasing decisions lead to circumstances where companies will not meet regulatory or quality requirements, and will be subject to damage to their reputation and potential litigation.  Conversely, purchasing decisions made with attention to the unique risks and needs of the medical device supply chain are imperative.

A strategic change in action

Banner has already employed its new approach and controls in a relationship with an important customer, with mutual benefits and recognized success.  The device manufacturer revised specifications to require melt source and melt process validation, independent test lab verification, and an approved supplier list of melt sources.  Every raw material lot was subject to certificate verification through an inspection plan.  Banner committed to fulfilling all the new requirements, and additionally offered to have the material pretested by a major OEM-approved lab. This meant the device manufacturer could end its practice of cutting and sending out test samples from their received material, a process that had delayed stocking of the material for two weeks.

The device manufacturer challenged Banner to “bullet-proof” material controls to prevent mixing or sending incorrect material.  In response, Banner offered its unique statistical process control system tailored to the device industry. Statistical process control can be employed as a validation activity that helps deliver understanding of the impact of change. In this instance, customized IT / MRP System controls automate error proofing of certification, verification of mechanicals and chemistry, restrictions, and more. Customized software that uses control plans can include detailed requirements for various “inputs,” for example, inspection plans and test results. The computer logic Passes or Fails each step of product realization. When certain criteria are met, security is triggered to escalate the issue to appropriate personnel in the organization. In the supply chain, particularly important considerations would include restrictions and exceptions. A “No China Titanium” restriction offers one example.  In another example, information could be input to specify a supplier’s qualification only for heat-treating and not for sterilization. When the system controls all this information, only data that meet established criteria will automatically flow through. The automation minimizes the need for manual intervention and accompanying human error.

This system controls what is supplied and where it is sourced, literally stopping the process if the wrong combination is entered, constituting what is essentially an approved supplier list imbedded in the supplier’s IT system. Any requirement for an outside lab test is included in the customer profile.  The program also has a function that requires entry of actual material test results. If any specification requirement is unmet, the material is locked down and cannot be shipped without overriding the system.  As of late 2011, Banner’s customized Quality Management IT System has ‘Patent Pending’ status with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Additionally, Advanced Product Quality Planning, a process successfully employed in other industries including automotive and aerospace, was incorporated into the partners’ business process. Cross-functional teams mapped the administrative process step by step, developed a Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) ranking scheme, and employed several other quality tools. Upon completion of the extensive analysis, the supplier revised and developed improved work instructions and forms.  This partnership innovated again by applying quality controls to the administrative function.

Banner and its customer identified several additional factors that contributed to the success of the strategic partnership. Both firms entered into the partnership with full management support. Both organizational cultures valued teamwork and cooperation. Both parties committed to short- and long-term goals and structured contractual agreements and business processes accordingly. The companies in the strategic partnership recognized and adeptly worked toward their common best interest.

Banner believes that long-term strategic partnership minimizes total cost and increases competitiveness for both partners. For Banner, guaranteed business fosters the creation of long-term plans for growth and resource requirements. Banner’s device manufacturer customers benefit from greater speed to market as vendor-managed inventory (VMI) reduces lead times. Both parties save time and money as administrative costs decrease and shipments are consolidated. Most importantly, device manufacturers benefit from reduced risk when medical-grade material is a core competency of the supplier.

Banner is a metals supplier whose interests and systems align with the medical device industry and with the FDA expectations by which the industry must abide. Banner has invested in the development of stringent processes and tools to address the specialized needs of device manufacturers. A strategic partnership offers greater levels of control, ensures timely delivery, and maximizes regulatory compliance. In the longer term, these supply chain management approaches help support the FDA mandate for TPLC accountability and establish a process for efficient product development, increasing the speed at which Banner’s customers can bring successful products to market while managing risk.

Banner Medical intends to be the metals supplier who shares the priorities of the device industry and possesses the capabilities to ensure timely delivery with no adverse effects.

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Banner Announces Long-term Exclusive Contract to Stock and Market Cannulated Bar

Carol Stream, IL – Banner Medical today announced a long term exclusive agreement with Veridiam, Inc. (formerly Carpenter Special Products) of San Diego, California.  Under this agreement, Veridiam will manufacture and supply Carpenter Custom 455®, Custom 465® and 17-4 alloy cannulated bar tubular materials to Banner Medical. Owing to its long involvement in the medical device and orthopedic markets, Banner will then utilize its patent pending quality control systems (IT-based) and validated straightening, grinding, and polishing processes to finish, stock and market the highly specialized products worldwide under the terms of this exclusive agreement.  The announcement was made by Banner Medical Vice President for Sales, Marketing & Strategic Planning, Vince Adams.

Banner maintains a wide variety of stock sizes of 17-4, 455, and 465 cannulated bar ready for immediate shipment.  Additionally Banner’s fully validated grinding processes allow them to provide custom precision diameters with relatively short lead times.

As Adams explained, “Our extensive reach into the global medical market and high quality process capability will combine with the core competence of Veridiam in cannulated bar to bring an impressive suite of products to the stringent requirements of the medical device industry.”

Banner has built its reputation in the medical, orthopedic and spinal markets by supplying stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome bar materials for OEMs and contract manufacturers producing implants and instruments.

Veridiam, Inc. has been manufacturing cannulated bar for over 15 years. Veridiam’s unique manufacturing process starts with a gun drilled seamless hollow and cold draws the hollow bar through as many as 19 cold draw passes with intermediate anneals. The final cannulated bar exhibits superior concentricity and I.D. surface finish. Veridiam’s cannulated bar has consistent 8’-12’ lengths to improve machining yields.

Veridiam, Inc, is a major integrated contract manufacturer of build-to-print metal tubing, components, and assemblies, custom engineered to meet the needs of the medical, power generation, dental, aerospace, industrial and other highly-critical applications. Operations include two manufacturing facilities in San Diego County, CA and a facility in San Jose, Costa Rica. All products are produced under quality systems certified to ISO 13485, ISO 9001:2000, AS 9100 and NQA-1.

Banner supplies medical and orthopedic manufacturers with medical-grade materials to meet the highest quality standards.  It operates two ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certified, FDA CFR part 820 compliant facilities in Carol Stream, Illinois and Charlotte, North Carolina.  The company provides its GuardiaN^TM customer support solution program for supply chain management and medical materials stocking, plus its AssuraNce® protocol that evidences all products made for the medical market are produced on equipment validated per the FDA requirements.  Banner’s EsseNtial Quality Systems^TM is a patent-pending IT-based quality program that manages the company’s materials selection and production processes to deliver medical-grade bar stock.

Banner Medical is a strategic business unit of Banner Services Corporation, a provider of precision ground bar as well as centerless grinding, turning and straightening, among other machining services.

For more information on this development, please contact:

BANNER MEDICAL
494 East Lies Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188-9425
Phone:  800-323-9732
Fax:  630-653-7555
Web:  www.banner-medical.com
Email:  getinfo@banner-medical.com

(photos)
Cannulated bar produced by Veridiam will be marketed by Banner Medical to the global medical and orthopedic markets.
Agency contact:
Tim Daro
Bernard & Company
847-934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com

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Integrated Sawing and Machining Center Sets New Industry Standard

IMTS PRE-SHOW NEWS…BOOTH N-6737

Rattunde Corporation introduces the ACS + CFMcurve integrated sawing and machining center, an exciting new technology, at the IMTS show, McCormick Place in Chicago, from September 10-15, in the North Hall Booth #6737.   A fully operational system will be producing a variety of parts, demonstrating the fully automated flexibility of this manufacturing center. 

The ACS Sawing Machine is the new industry standard for cold saws.  It utilizes a proprietary sawing algorithm with servo motor controlled feed to continuously adjust critical sawing parameters during each cut.  The results are the fastest sawing times, best surface finish and longest blade life available on the market.

The CFMcurve machining center is a patented Rattunde process that simultaneously machines each workpiece end, using 12 independent servo-controlled axes.  Machining options include: threading, boring, profile turning, grooving, radius edges and angled chamfering.  Programming screens guide operators for quick setup on even the most complex part geometry.  No special programming is required. 

Precision parts are made in one continuous process with no operator intervention.  Bundles of mill length stock, up to 16.5 meters (54’) long, are placed in an automatic loader, individually separated and fed to the sawing process.  Cut parts are then transferred to the CFMcurve machine for precise finishing.  Utilizing advanced CNC controls, linear ball screws and servo motors, all mechanical motion is seamlessly integrated into the machine design for full process control.

The technology incorporated on this manufacturing center delivers production rates and quality unmatched by the competition.  For example, a tubular component of 70mm diameter, wall thickness of 5mm, material type ST52-3 BK, with a length of 150mm, machined with a 30 degree chamfer on the ID & OD with a faced end has a saw time of .96 seconds, a machined time of 1.86 seconds and the machine can produce 1,820 parts per hour, inspected for length and automatically packaged.  Cut length tolerance of +/- 0.15mm at 1.67 CPK and a machined length tolerance of +/- 0.05mm at 1.67 CPK are maintained with consistency.  

The operator interface saves part files for instant recall when changing parts.  Servo motors move all cutting and machining tools to their exact positions and implement saved parameters.  No tooling change is required in the ACS Saw within a diameter range of 10mm; there is a 5mm diameter range in the CFMcurve.  Tooling change for the complete system takes less than 20 minutes, when necessary.

All critical sawing and machining parameters are monitored and controlled.  Clamping forces and position, saw blade torque and vibration, plus machining insert torque are continuously displayed and monitored.  Operating limits are set and machine functions stop when they are not met.  Saw blade and tooling insert wear is predictable and consistent.  Key data for each part produced are stored in memory for statistical evaluation.  All guesswork is removed for the operator. 

Rattunde sets a new industry standard for manufacturing with this machine, replacing slow and unreliable processes with a complete manufacturing center.  Bar feeding lathe machines rely on a slow cutoff process, restrict the length of incoming stock and are not always capable of finishing both part ends simultaneously.  Cutting in a conventional saw, dropping parts in a bin and eventually loading them to a conventional machining center is time consuming, labor intensive and creates excess inventory with a loss of process control.

Additional processes, engineered and manufactured by Rattunde, are easily integrated with the ACS + CFMcurve, including: part inspection stations, washing and drying, automatic packaging and automatic container changing, all available to further automate customer manufacturing.  The system being exhibited at IMTS will include part inspection and automatic packaging.

The ACS + CFMcurve is available in three models with diameter ranges from 10mm to 102mm, 10mm to 136mm and 10mm to 169mm, with finished part lengths from 10mm to 3500 mm.  All material types can be processed.

You can watch the machine in action at:

http://www.rattunde-corp.com/tube-sawing-video.htm

For further information, please contact:
Rattunde Corporation
4980 Kendrick St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI  49512
616-940-3340
Alec Banish
a.banish@rattunde-corp.com
www.rattunde-corp.com

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Hydraulic Rod Locks Assist On Movable Pool Bottom Project

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EMAG at IMTS 2012: New Technologies for Challenging Workpieces

Increasing demands made on precision and the push for the decrease of price of modern components is pushing traditional manufacturing processes to their limits. From September 10^th-15^th, 2012 at IMTS in Chicago, IL, EMAG will present three production technologies that complement or replace traditional processes such as turning, milling and grinding.

PECM for nickel- and titanium-based alloys

With its PECM technology (Precision Electro-Chemical Machining) EMAG presents a production process that opens up completely new fields of application. PECM is a process for the machining of high-alloyed materials, such as nickel- and titanium-based alloys. The disadvantages of traditional metal cutting – tool wear, mechanical stresses, micro-fissuring caused by heat, oxidization layering and the need for subsequent deburring operations – are eliminated, because this process is a non-contact one without heat input. All electro-chemical machining processes are characterized by stress-free material removal, smooth transition points and surfaces without ridge formations.

The advantages that the PECM process provides for different branches of industry are best shown with the example of a turbocharger for the automotive industry. The electro-chemical process is one that can be used to effectively in the machining of many high-alloy components, especially those in the high-temperature sector of the turbocharger – it also offers a much shorter and very efficient process chain. The typical clean-up operations necessary when traditional machining processes are used – such as deburring after milling – are no longer necessary. PECM machining operations are burr-free. And there is hardly any tool wear. The result: downtimes are minimal, when compared to milling (which requires regular tool changes). The process as a whole is sturdier and less prone to errors. And another important factor that our example of the turbocharger shows: the superb surface finish of the PECM process, where Rz-values of 0.3 micron can be achieved.

Will camshafts ever again be made of a single piece?

Another highlight is EMAG‘s heat-shrink assembly technology, a process that scores particularly well in camshaft production. The high degree of precision achieved with the joining process drastically reduces the number of cam profile grinding operations or – with the use of precision cams – avoids them altogether. Another benefit of the process is the ability to combine different materials in the construction of the shaft, such as forged cams (e.g. in 100Cr6) and sintered cams, which do not require regrinding.  Accessory components, such as plugs and end pieces, can – like the shaft itself – also be made of better materials. This allows for the camshaft to be adapted to the requirements of the engine and to be optimized in load bearing capacity and manufacturing costs.

Operating costs reduced by 50 %

Production laser welding is already a highly productive process in the manufacturing of gearwheels. The use of diode-pumped solid-state lasers – such as disc or fiber lasers –reduces operating costs by up to 50%. EMAG has been involved with the use of solid-state lasers in the welding of powertrain components from an early stage and is considered a pioneer in the technology.  EMAG again has fulfilled a promise to their users offering them the lowest possible cost-per-piece, by coming up with an innovative technology that brings true cost benefits.

For many applications, solid-state lasers allow welding without shielding gas. This not only reduces operating costs, it also avoids having to follow the annoying logistics imposed by the use of shielding and laser operating gasses. In many cases, the welding process can also be sped up considerably. This increases productivity and – through a reduction in energy input per unit length – reduces welding distortion, resulting in better component quality.

For more information:

EMAG LLC
38800 Grand River Avenue
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Tel: (248) 875-0313
Fax: (248) 477-7784
E-mail: info@usa.emag.com
Web: www.emag.com

Attention: Peter Loetzner

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EMAG at IMTS 2012: Perfect Performance for Turning and Grinding Processes

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American-Wera News of Note

Ann Arbor, Michigan – American-Wera represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema, Diskus, WMZ and MAE.  These machines are sold for gear and spline production, as well as bar, pipe and tube straightening plus wheelset pressing.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG, rail and other heavy equipment manufacturing.

In the news…

-Caterpillar selects Pittler as manufacturing partner for new cylinder liner project; Peoria, IL location to use inverted spindle turning centers with 16 spindles for high production

-Linamar Mexico adds second Scudding machine from Profilator at Nuevo Laredo plant for use on Getrag Ford project; Scudding is a unique and patented form of gear and spline production from Profilator

-IMTS 2012-Our booth N6260 will include information on all our gearcutting machines and feature two MAE straightening presses in action…come and see the show!!  

-We’re expanding our facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan-North American facility expands in floorspace and showroom capacity, with additional staff to be added soon;  full application engineering assistance, sales, service and training offered for our customers and field sales representatives

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) Formerly American Wera
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
Facebook: GMTA
Twitter: @GMTA_US

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High-temp Inert Atmosphere Oven from Grieve

No. 966 is a 1250ºF, electrically-heated, inert atmosphere oven from Grieve, currently used for stress relief of machined steel at the customer’s facility.  Workspace dimensions of this oven measure 24” W x 36” D x 24” H.   18KW are installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular elements to heat the oven chamber, while a 1000 CFM, 1-HP recirculating blower provides horizontal front-to-rear airflow to the workload.

This Grieve high-temp, inert atmosphere oven features 10” insulated walls, comprising 2” of 1900ºF block and 8” of 10lb/cf density rockwool, aluminized steel exterior, Type 304, 2B finish stainless steel interior, plus inner and outer door gaskets.  The inner gasket seals directly against the door plug, while the outer gasket seals directly against the front face of the oven.  An integral oven leg stand is also provided.

Inert atmosphere construction on this Grieve oven includes pressure gauge, internal high-temperature gasket, all-welded construction in the doorway throat, air jacket on inner oven for cooling, ½” thick cellular silicone rubber atmosphere seal, blower shaft seal, positive latching door hardware, adjustable offset door hinges, outlet with pressure relief, interior seams welded gas-tight and all wall penetrations fitted with compression fittings.  A 650 CFM stainless steel blower pulls air through the air jacket on the inner oven for cooling.

Controls on No. 966 include a digital programming temperature controller, manual reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors and recirculating blower airflow safety switch.

For more information, please contact: THE GRIEVE CORPORATION, 500 Hart

Road, Round Lake, Illinois 60073-2835 USA.  Phone: (847) 546-8225.  Fax: (847) 546-

9210.  Web: www.grievecorp.com. Email: sales@grievecorp.com. Attention: Frank

Calabrese.

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EMAG Announces ECM/PECM Machines Now Offered to North American Market

Leading supplier of electro-chemical technologies introducing new machines for aero, auto, medical and nano markets

Farmington Hill, Michigan – EMAG L.L.C. here today announces the introduction of its ECM and PECM machines to the North American market.  As a longtime European leader in these technologies, the company will sell and support these machines with application engineering, field commissioning and technical service from its Detroit-area location.

Electro-chemical machining takes many forms, but all involve the electrolytic dissolving of metal substrates.  This technique is often utilized in applications involving hard-to-machine materials such as Inconel, high-nickel alloys, titanium etc.

Because ECM is a non-contact machining process with no heat input involved, the process is not subject to the variances inherent in conventional machining, such as tool wear, mechanical stress, microcracking caused by heat transfer, plus surface oxidation and recast layer present with EDM (electrical discharge machining), for example.  By contrast, the ECM process is characterized by stress-free stock removal, smooth and precise transitions in machining contours with burr-free surfaces.  End products from turbine blisks to dental implants and automotive industry products are ideal uses for this technology, according to Tobias Trautmann, product manager for ECM/PECM Products at EMAG ECM.

The many advantages of the EMAG ECM and PECM technologies for the end user include:  low tool wear on the cathode, ideal for batch production; surface finishes to Ra 0.05, depending on the material, suitable for high precision pro

duction in nearly all machining areas; reproducible cutting depth to <20mm; extremely high-precision machining; no negative thermal or mechanical effects on the material, so no changes in microstructures; basic material properties are unaffected; hardness, magnetic and other performance properties are unchanged; nano and extremely thin-walled section contours are possible, critical in aero and medical applications, for example; high repeatability, owing to the consistency of the mechanical components and predictability of the machining conditions; minimal secondary operations; roughing, finishing and polishing in one machine.  The process allows users to employ multiple fixtures and run the process simultaneously.

Standard features offered on the EMAG ECM Basic Series machines are a Siemens S7 controller with full graphics display, current relay and voltage monitor, pH control and conductance monitor, temperature control module, machining area of 1150mm x 950mm (45.27” x 37.40”) and two-handed operator safety controls.  EMAG also provides ancillary equipment interfacing for work cell set-ups, including pre- and post-op cleaning stations and multiple machining units, as well as robotic workpiece handling.

Precise Electrochemical Machining (PECM) machines operate on the same basic principle of electrolytic dissolution, but include a mechanical oscillation mechanism for more intricate 2D and 3D microstructures. All standard machines include EMAG scalable generator technology up to 30,000 Amps, pulse frequencies to 100 kHz and a machine base of MINERALIT® or granite.

The Premium Series further offers precision imaging, surface finishes up to Ra 0.05 (relative to the material) and a high degree of precision in lowering speeds, essential for micromachining.

Complementing this new machine series is the EMAG test laboratory.  Users can examine a variety of test cut scenarios to determine the optimum conditions for machining, fixturing, process performance and materials specification, matching the requirements to the most productive machines and systems available.

For more information:

EMAG LLC
38800 Grand River Avenue
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Tel: (248) 875-0313
Fax: (248) 477-7784
E-mail: info@usa.emag.com
Web: www.emag.com

Attention: Peter Loetzner

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EMAG Announces Collaboration with Local College for Training

Leading supplier of machine tools partners with Oakland Community College; $200,000 agreement from Michigan New Jobs Training program to create 21 new jobs

Farmington Hills, Michigan – EMAG L.L.C. announces its receipt of a five-year, $200,000 agreement with Oakland Community College (OCC), through the Michigan New Jobs Training (MNJT) program, for the training of 21 new employees in manufacturing technology, CNC machine tools, mechanical maintenance, electrical and robotics disciplines.

Peter Loetzner, EMAG CEO, accepted the award from Dr. Timothy Meyer, chancellor of Oakland Community College, and J. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, during the Oakland County Economic Outlook Luncheon, held at the Troy Marriott on April 26, 2012.

Beginning the speeches at the event, OCC Chancellor, Dr. Timothy Meyer noted the critical importance of education and training in the creation and retention of manufacturing jobs in Southeastern Michigan, an area hard hit by the recent economic downturn in the auto industry and other manufacturing sectors of the economy.  He then introduced Oakland County Executive J. Brooks Patterson, who continued this theme, citing the recent creation of 36,000 new jobs in Oakland County as well as other awards made to companies who’ve chosen to locate in the area.

Introducing Peter Loetzner, Meyer then detailed the collaboration between OCC and EMAG, noting how the study of mechatronics would raise the skill level of both engineers and the plant workforce to higher levels of technical competence and multi-functional abilities.

During his remarks, Loetzner recounted his own experience as a student in this now rapidly growing field of mechatronics, where mechanical engineering melds with electrical and electronic engineering to help students better understand the inter-relationship of components on a machine.   Mechatronic engineers and field technicians are now highly valued individuals in many industries, Loetzner noted.  He added that EMAG will have at least 20 openings in engineering throughout the next few years at his company, the result of increased sales and the EMAG commitment to serving the North American market from its expanding headquarters in the Detroit area.  He further commented how such programs have the dual advantages of growing the manufacturing base in the area, as well as raising the skill level of the employees, which in turn attracts more businesses to Oakland County.

EMAG has engaged in training for its employees as well as its customers’ programming, operator and maintenance personnel throughout the company’s history, both in Germany and in America.  The company sells its machines to job shops and original equipment manufacturers’ metalworking departments worldwide, with a heavy concentration in the automotive and off-highway machinery markets.

Loetzner thanked the OCC and Oakland County personnel who helped develop this program, especially Meyer, Patterson and Sharon Miller, the vice chancellor of external affairs at OCC.  He concluded his remarks on a humorous note, “As we say in mechatronics, keep thinking INSIDE the box.”

Sharon Miller next spoke at the event, citing the creation of five new jobs programs in the last year, awarded to companies ranging from the start-up mode such as Oxus, a portable oxygen equipment distributor for the medical industry, to the multi-national truck parts supplier Meritor, who added 63 employees in Troy, Michigan as a result of the MNJT program.

Dr. Meyer concluded the speaking with several observations on the nature of education.  He cited the need for institutions to be more proactive in redesigning their curriculum to better suit the needs of the local manufacturing base, plus the need to partner with more companies in the area, as well as community organizations.  “After all,” he concluded, “community is our middle name!”

EMAG equipment covers the entire spectrum of machining processes in the metalworking industry, offering the latest technological advances in turning, drilling, milling, grinding, gear cutting, electrochemical machining and laser welding for the automotive, oil field, power generation and earth moving equipment industries.  EMAG is a trendsetter in the field of vertical turning centers, multi-spindle machining centers and multi-functional production machines, and has become an important partner in the realization of complete process streams in the manufacture of automotive transmission, engine and chassis components.

Oakland Community College is the largest community college in Michigan, and the 21^st largest in the nation.  With five campuses throughout Oakland County, OCC offers degrees and certificates in more than 160 fields including university transfer degrees in business, science and the liberal arts, as well as workforce training and certificate programs.  Approximately 750,000 students have enrolled at the college since it opened in 1965.

OCC also announced an award to Denso, one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive components, totaling $2.6 million to support the creation of 169 jobs in e-learning, project management, leadership, quality and engineering at the company’s Southfield, Michigan facility.

For more information:

Kristal Kilgore
EMAG LLC
38800 Grand River Avenue
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Tel: (248) 875-0313
Fax: (248) 477-7784
E-mail: kkilgore@emag.com
Web: www.emag.com

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