Precision Equipment for Medical Component Manufacturing

Small parts, tight tolerances, strict process control

Medical component manufacturers machine and assemble small, precise parts in materials such as stainless steels and titanium, under process controls that leave little room for variation. Fixtures must locate parts to a few microns, process machines must be repeatable and documentation must support validation. LTM designs precision equipment for this environment, with tolerance analysis and documentation that fit into a controlled manufacturing process.

Equipment we design for medical manufacturing

• Precision machining and assembly fixtures
• Deep-hole gun drilling machines for shafts and cannulated parts
• Deburring and finishing machines
• Handling, feeding and orientation units for small components
• Inspection fixtures and metrology stations
• Low-volume, high-mix process machines

Precision fixtures for small parts

Fixtures for small medical components face a particular challenge: the locating features are tiny, the parts are easily marked and the tolerances leave almost no room for fixture error. LTM fixture designs allocate a defined share of the part tolerance to the fixture through a tolerance stack-up, use hardened and ground locators with appropriate fits, and select contact materials that will not mark polished or coated surfaces.

Where parts are handled automatically, gripper and nest designs account for part tolerance, static and orientation. Change parts for different part sizes are keyed so they cannot be fitted wrongly, which supports consistent setup and reduces the risk of non-conforming product during changeover.

Designs also consider how the fixture will be verified. Critical locating dimensions are called out for inspection, gauge pins or setting masters are specified where useful, and the fixture is designed so that wear parts can be replaced without disturbing the datum, which keeps re-qualification after maintenance simple and quick.

Experience

LTM designed a two-spindle gun drilling machine for deep-hole drilling of medical shafts up to 500 mm long, a two-spindle deburring machine and a tabletop precision metrology system. Deep-hole drilling of long, small-diameter medical parts demands straight guidance, accurate bushings and controlled feed and coolant, all of which are addressed in the machine design.

Design for validation

Equipment for regulated manufacturing is easier to validate when the design is documented clearly. Each design includes tolerance stack-up for critical locating features, material and surface finish specifications for parts in contact with product, a complete revision-controlled drawing set and a description of adjustments and settings. This supports your IQ, OQ and PQ activities under ISO 13485 or equivalent systems. LTM does not hold medical quality certification itself; designs are prepared to fit into your certified quality system.

Quick checks

For small precision axes, our free ball screw and linear guide life calculators check motion components, and the cutting speed calculator gives spindle speed and feed for stainless and titanium.