Monthly Archives: March 2018

An Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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Unmanned Aircraft
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are a new and evolutionary component of the aviation system, offering several new and exciting opportunities, as well as a number of challenges.

 

Unmanned aircraft come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small handheld types up to large aircraft, potentially a similar size to airliners and, just like manned aircraft, and they may be of a fixed wing design, rotary winged, or a combination of both.

 

Unmanned Aircraft may also be referred to as:

 

  • Drones
  • Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
  • Model Aircraft
  • Radio Controlled Aircraft

 

Regardless of the name used, they all share the common characteristic that the person responsible for piloting the aircraft is not onboard it. Just like any other aircraft however, an unmanned aircraft must always be flown in a safe manner, both with respect to other aircraft in the air and also to people and properties on the ground.

 

Types of Operation

The key first principle when discussing the regulation of any UAS is to determine how it is being operated and what process is being used to avoid it colliding with other aircraft, objects or people, which is the primary responsibility of anyone who flies any aircraft.

 

UAS are either operated:

 

Within the Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) of the person flying the aircraft

This means that the aircraft must be able to be clearly seen by the person flying it at all times when it is airborne. By doing this, the person flying the aircraft is able to monitor its flight path and so manoeuvre it clear of anything that it may collide with.  While corrective spectacles can be used to look at the aircraft, the use of binoculars, telescopes, or any other image enhancing devices are not permitted.

 

In simple terms, the aircraft must not be flown out of sight of a human eye.

 

Beyond the Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) of the person flying the aircraft

If the person flying the aircraft is unable to maintain direct unaided visual contact with it while it is airborne, then an alternative method of collision avoidance must be employed in order to ensure that it can still be flown safely.

 

BVLOS flight will normally require either:

 

  • A technical capability which is equivalent to the ability of a pilot of a manned aircraft uses to ‘see and avoid’ potential conflictions – this is referred to as a Detect and Avoid (DAA) capability
  • A block of airspace to operate in which the unmanned aircraft is ‘segregated’ from other aircraft – because other aircraft are not permitted to enter this airspace block, the unmanned aircraft can operate without the risk of collision, or the need for other collision avoidance capabilities
  • Clear evidence that the intended operation will have ‘no aviation threat’ and that the safety of persons and objects on the ground has been properly addressed.

 

What Is The Purpose of Your Flight?

Your flight will broadly fall into one of three types as follows:

 

  • Recreational – where the flight is being conducted as a pastime purely as an ‘enjoyment’ or sporting activity
  • Commercial – where the flight is being conducted for business purposes in return for specific remuneration or other form of valuable consideration.
  • (a specific definition of a commercial operation is contained within the ‘Commercial Operations with Small Drones’ section)
  • Private/Non-Commercial – flights that are either:
    • not considered to be recreational
    • flown for business purposes, but without any remuneration or other valuable consideration being involved

 

While the regulations are the same for all types of flight, there are some specific additional requirements placed on commercial operations involving small unmanned aircraft.

 

If you want to learn more information about unmanned aircraft systems, please do not hesitate to visit Carbon-Based Technology Inc. – the company is specializing in unmanned aircraft / unmanned aerial system. Get more details, welcome to send inquiry to let Carbon-Based know your demands.

 

Article Source: https://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft/Our-role/An-introduction-to-unmanned-aircraft-systems/

Something You Should Know About Rubber Oil Seal…

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What is Rubber Oil Seal?

 

If you ever notice dark smoke coming from the tail pipe of your car, chances are the rubber oil seals in your vehicle are leaky. The rubber oil seals are also called as oil seals, car oil seals, automotive oil seals and oil seal rings. Leaky oil seals fail to prevent liquids and gases from escaping, and thus oil begins to leak into places in your vehicle where it is not supposed to be. For instance, oil enters the fuel mixture and burns, resulting in the smoky combustion. Thus, we see that these rubber oil seals or oil gaskets are nothing but components that fit on valves and pipes for sealing oil inside the required compartments in your vehicle. Their design features a flexible lip that rubs against a shaft or housing and prevents the leakage or ingress of fluids and dirt from/ into the sealed compartment.

 

Advantages of Rubber Oil Seals:

 

Now rubber oil seal rings perform two important functions: they hold the oil in place, lubricating the moving machine parts, thus reducing friction, grinding and heat in the process. Additionally, these car oil seals keep foreign contaminants from entering and ruining the oil in your car. However, though these automotive rubber seals are popularly referred to as “oil seals”, they are used to retain or confine any form of fluid inside a particular device, especially devices such as hydraulic systems that feature a host of moving parts.

 

Types of Rubber Oil Seals:

 

  • U-Ring Seals
  • V-Ring Seals
  • Rotary Oil Seals
  • Labyrinth or Clearance Seals
  • Bearing Isolators
  • Spring-Installed Seals

 

Why Rubber is the Preferred Material for Oil Seals?

 

Though oil seals also come in materials like plain felt, leather and metal, the best ones are the oil seals made of different varieties of rubber. Seals fashioned from Nitrillic rubber is used with mineral oils, grease, diesel and water. Polyacryllic and silicon seals on the other hand are used for sealing motor oils, while flour elastomer rubber oil seals that have the capacity to withstand a wide range of temperature are normally used in different variety of fuel-related oils. Enlisted below are a few reasons that make rubber the most suitable material for manufacturing oil seals or oil seal rings:

 

  • Can easily withstand high temperature and pressure.
  • Have superior ozone resistance.
  • Feature excellent mechanical strength.
  • Can be easily shaped into different contours and patterns.
  • Are comparatively easier to install.
  • Require less maintenance and provide years of hassle free service.

 

Factors to Consider While Buying Rubber Oil Seals:

 

  • Type of polymer used in manufacturing
  • Shaft outer diameter
  • Seal inner diameter
  • Maximum operating speed
  • Maximum operating temperature
  • Maximum operating pressure
  • Vacuum rating

 

Are you going to look for the high quality rubber oil seals manufacturers and products? I recommend that you can try to visit Chain Yeeh Industrial Co., Ltd. (PHLE). They provide many kind of materials and types rubber oil seal for your choosing, and they also doing customize according to customer’s requirement.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.silentblocbush.com/rubber-oil-seals.html

Stretch Film vs. Shrink Film, What’s the Difference?

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It’s a common misconception that people believe stretch film and shrink film are the same thing. It’s true that both shrink and stretch films are designed to unitize products onto pallets and both are generally made from polyethylene resins. Shrink films are produced on blown film lines and stretch films can be produced on either blown or cast film lines. Outside of those similarities, the two packaging systems don’t have a lot of other common characteristics.

 

Shrink films contain a high percentage of low density polyethylene (LDPE), which is the same type of resin used to make bread bags and newspaper overwrap sleeves.  When fabricated under very specific parameters, LDPE gives shrink film its “shrink”.  The stress or tension required to make the film contract is frozen in during the fabrication process. To activate shrink film, a heat source is required such as a heat tunnel, heat gun, or torch. When sufficient heat is applied to the film, it approaches its melting point and the film begins to draw up or “shrink”. Because the film can only shrink so far, each product to be wrapped has to be matched with a specific size and configuration of film. As film resins go, LDPE does not have good puncture or tear resistance and has a relatively low load holding force. In order to provide sufficient load containment and protection for the load, these films are generally several times thicker than most stretch films.

 

In contrast, most stretch films contain high levels of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and, depending on the end-use application, can stretch from 25 to 300%.  Stretch films are either designed to be applied by hand or by machine. Hand films usually have minimal stretch (25-100%) in order to aid the operator in applying the product and are in many ways similar to a large roll of very thin tape. Machine films on the other hand can have very high stretch levels (150 -300%) and, because they are applied by automated equipment, can be configured to exert very high levels of tension on a load if desired.

 

Shrink films are good for applications where the object to be protected requires five-sided protection (top and four sides) or is very large (boats and industrial equipment). For five-sided protection on finished products such as washer/dryers, refrigerators and other appliances, along with bagged resins and cement/concrete, stretch hooders have started replacing shrink films as the older shrink tunnels are decommissioned and new, more energy efficient equipment takes its place.

 

If you have any interest in shrink film machine, I recommend that you can visit the website of Jumbo Steel Machinery Co., Ltd.

 

For over 25 years, Jumbo Steel has dedicated itself to the research of production technology for PVC shrinkable film. The company has made great improvements in product prescription and machine performance, upgrading the quality and efficiency of PVC shrinkable films. Jumbo Steel PVC shrink film machine has been sold worldwide, and has earned a reputation for its superior machine and outstanding production know-how. Get more details please do not hesitate to send inquiry or contact with Jumbo Steel immediately.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.paragon-u.com/bid/252257/Stretch-Film-vs-Shrink-Film-What-s-the-Difference

Fan and Air Circulator Buying Guide

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When researching ways to cool your home, you can consider getting a fan. Fans, also known as air circulators, can be the perfect solution to meet light cooling needs. In more temperate climates, they are an excellent alternative to having an air conditioner that may not see much use. In hotter or more humid climates, fans can help ventilate and dry an area while cooling it, or they can supplement existing air conditioning systems.

 

Size, cooling capacity, intended use, style, and operational noise will all influence how effective a fan will cool your environment. Hence, understanding how fans and air circulators work to keep you comfortable is a key component to choosing the right one for your needs.

 

About Fans

Though fans may seem simple upon first glance, they have more recently become sophisticated cooling systems that help you save on cooling costs, meet versatile needs, and promote energy efficiency. Fans were arguably the first cooling devices created by humans. Today most fans are operated by an electric motor, which turns the blades within a housing unit. Several variations in fan design and intended purpose have greatly enhanced their functionality.

 

Fan Types

There are three main types of fans:

  1. Residential fans are generally meant for personal use.

 

  1. Heavy-Duty fans are found in offices, warehouses, and other workplaces to meet practical needs as well as keep employees comfortable.

 

  1. Water damage restoration fans help dry structures that have sustained water damage and tend to be versatile and powerful.

 

Fan Style and Design

Additionally, fans can be further categorized based on style and design. Fan styles include:

 

  • Tower fans have a long, vertical housing unit that includes a cooling apparatus that runs the length of the fan. They conserve space and offer greater blade protection than more traditional fans.

 

  • Pedestal fans feature a conventional fan design perched on a long stand to reach higher areas than a floor or table fan. They are useful for cooling areas off the ground without needing a desk or shelf for support.

 

  • Table fans can rest on a table, desk, shelf, or other stationary object. These desk fans are generally smaller air circulators that are convenient and mobile.

 

  • Floor fans sit on the floor and have a variety of uses. They tend to be larger than other types of fans and are often used in commercial and industrial applications.

 

  • Personal fans keep you cool in everyday situations. These fans are often placed in bedrooms, workshops, and even cars with a primary purpose of cooling one occupant.

 

  • Misting fans generate water droplets that are then released into the environment and evaporated, cooling the area in the process. These fans are generally used outdoors.

 

Many fan models will fit into more than one of the above categories. If you are just starting to investigate what kind of fan you will need, you should first narrow down the type and style of fan you prefer.

 

Fans vs. Air Conditioners

Fans have a variety of advantages over air conditioner systems. While air conditioners have an overall better cooling capacity than fans and offer a greater degree of control over your cooling experience, fans are more ideal for managing specific cooling tasks and allow for increased portability and convenience. Below are some of the more common benefits of using a fan instead of an AC.

 

  • Cost — As a rule of thumb, fans usually cost less than air conditioners, especially for residential usage. If you are trying to spend economically and wouldn’t necessarily benefit from the added capacity of an air conditioner, purchasing a fan may be the perfect route to take. Fans also cost less to maintain than air conditioners, since fans do not have filters, exhaust systems, and drainage concerns associated with them.

 

  • Efficiency — Fans consume less energy than an air conditioner when cooling a similar-sized same space. Whereas air conditioners create a low volume of air at a high pressure, fans create a high volume of air at a lower pressure. If you are looking to save on energy costs or only need a temporary cooling solution, you would do much better with a fan. Combined with a central air conditioning system, fans can help you save on your energy costs each month.

 

  • Green Living — Because fans don’t require refrigerant and conserve more energy when compared to an AC, they are far easier on the environment than an air conditioning unit. Running a fan is one of the cleanest ways to reduce your carbon footprint as you cool your home or workplace.

 

  • Setup — Air conditioners may involve elaborate exhaust and drainage systems, complicated installation processes, specific window or location requirements, and even professional assistance to setup. Fans operate out of the box. Merely choose a location for your fan and plug it in. Most fans do not require any assembly on your part, and those that do are easily put together.

 

  • Maintenance — Air conditioners often need air filters cleaned and replaced, refrigerant recharged, water drained, and pumps maintained in addition to the regular cleaning and upkeep any home appliance would require. Maintaining a fan involves keeping the blades clean and keeping the fan clean. Wiping it down with regular soap and water will get the job done, and you won’t have to purchase additional items not included with the fan to make sure it lasts. Fans are also far more convenient than ACs to repair and replace should a major incident befall it.

 

  • Portability — Because fans weigh less, require little or no installation, and have fewer external components than most ACs, they can be easily moved from room to room or put away for storage purposes.

 

Maintenance

Compared to other appliances, fans are relatively low-maintenance. The most significant issue related to fan upkeep is preventing dust, dirt, grime, and other buildup on the fan blades. When too many particles accumulate on the blades, the fan will spin slower, spread dust and dirt throughout the room, won’t move air as fast or as far, and will generally reduce the fan’s effectiveness. Too much dust buildup may cause the fan to stop spinning altogether.

 

The best way to avoid particle buildup is to regularly clean the fan blades, housing unit, and any air intake mechanisms. If your fan can be disassembled, simply take it apart and wipe down the various components. Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual when disassembling your fan, as the screws may be hidden or there may be easier methods to reach the blades. If your fan cannot be easily taken apart, try using brushes, sprays, or canned air to remove internal buildup. Take care not to get water on the motor or any other electrical parts.

 

Other measures you can take to prolong the life of your fan include placing it out of reach of children or pets, not running it when it’s not needed, using the fan only as it was intended, securing it from falling over or on top of other items, and giving the fan enough space to provide maximum benefit. Should it become necessary, fans are one of the easiest household appliances to replace.

 

Looking for Best Fans Manufacturer? I Recommend You…

King Fortune Electrical Co., Ltd. has become the most trusted name in industrial desk fan products. To meet the customers’ maximum satisfactions, the company has committed to its uncompromising insistence on excellence, quality and innovation. The superior quality of every King Fortune desk fan is backed by the most dedicated technical service support in the company.

 

If you have any questions or have an interest in King Fortune desk fans, please do not hesitate to send inquiry or contact with King Fortune immediately.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.sylvane.com/fan-buying-guide.html

When Should I Use A 3 Piece Ball Valve?

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The options for ball valves are seemingly endless. To select a ball valve, decisions have to be made. Which seat material? What kind of end connections? Full, reduced, or standard port ball? 2-way or multiport? What about packing? Finally, how many pieces?

 

What Is A 3 Piece Ball Valve?

Ball valves come in one, two, or three pieces. One piece ball valves are inexpensive and generally not repaired. Two piece ball valves consist of two separate pieces, with the connection between them being either threaded or a bolt and flange assembly.

 

As you may have guessed, a 3 piece ball valve consists of three pieces, two end caps and a body. The end caps are welded, threaded, or flanged to connect to the pipe on either side.

 

Why Use A 3 Piece Ball Valve?

For processes that put heavy demands on valves, having a 3 piece valve is more convenient than one or two piece ball valves. When seats and seals need to be routinely replaced, having three pieces allows for easy disassembly, servicing and reassembly without having to do major cutting on the pipe.

 

Three piece ball valves also allow for elastomers to be changed accommodating different process conditions, temperatures, pressures and flows.

 

Need to weld the valve in place? Another benefit is being able to move the body with trim out of the way while welding, ensuring the internals stay intact.

 

What’s The Big Difference Between 2 And 3 Piece Ball Valves (Other Than The Obvious…)?

Two piece ball valves were also designed with maintenance in mind. The big difference between the two is that the body on the 3 piece valve can be taken out without disturbing the two end caps. A two-piece ball valve doesn’t often allow this to happen, and it’s not possible at all with a one piece ball valve.

 

There’s also a price difference. As noted earlier, one piece valves are generally of the throw away variety. Three piece valves tend to initially cost more, but can save money in the long run in terms of time spend maintaining, and ability to change seats and seals vs. replacing the valve in its entirety.

 

Not sure how many pieces you should select for your ball valve application? If you have any interest in 3 piece ball valves, welcome to visit the website of Wellgrow Industries Corp. – the company is one of professional pipe fittings manufacturers in Taiwan. Feel free to send inquiry or contact with Wellgrow.

 

Article Source: Crane Engineering

Buying a Five-Axis: Selecting the Right Machine

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Horizontal or vertical? Trunnion or swivel head? What’s the effective difference between different configurations of five-axis machining centers?

 

Not all 5 axis machining centers are alike. Here’s where the application for which they will be used must be considered. You need to know what cutting speeds you’re going to run, for example. The type of spindle, the arrangement of rotary axes, rapid traverse rates, feed rates and available horsepower are other major considerations. Do you intend to machine primarily aluminum, stainless steel or titanium? How rigid does the machine need to be? What surface-finish quality do you require? What part accuracy are you trying to achieve? These are all questions you’ll need to answer in order to select the right machine for your application.

 

If you’re primarily machining aluminum, you may prefer a spindle capable of higher speed, such as 20,000 rpm, with higher rapid traverse rates, especially if you’re using smaller-diameter tools. Likewise, if you’re machining stainless or alloy steel for complex mold surfaces, you will likely be using small tools and high spindle speeds to achieve exceptionally smooth surface finishes.

 

Be aware that some machines are designed for cutting only aluminum. Others are suitable for steel and tough alloys, which require more rigidity, higher horsepower, lower spindle speeds, slower rotary speeds, higher torque and stronger box ways to make deep cuts with bigger tools. Machining different grades of steel, titanium alloys or even harder materials may require a heftier machine; however, this hefty machine would need to rotate the table excessively fast to achieve adequate surface speeds for cutting aluminum. The result might be disappointing.

 

When specifying out a five axis machining center, obtaining the expert advice of an experienced engineer is recommended.

 

Horizontal or Vertical

Horizontal five-axis machines are normally equipped with an automatic pallet changer (APC) ready to be installed on the shop floor. If you’re machining aerospace components that have deep pockets or waffling designed to reduce finished-part weight, the high volume of chips will naturally drop into the conveyor. In addition, horizontal five-axis machines tend to be heavier and more rigid, which helps when cutting steel and titanium.

 

In contrast, vertical five-axis machines tend to be more agile for processing smaller parts. VMCs tend to enable better operator access and can often take heavier cuts, but clearing chips can be inconvenient. High-pressure, through-the-spindle coolant delivery comes in handy to remedy chip accumulation.

 

Swiveling-Head or Trunnion Style

There are pros and cons to different types of machine designs. If you’re loading heavy parts, the non-tilting table on a swiveling-head machine is often preferred, because this type of table offers greater rigidity for holding big, heavy parts. The swiveling head enables the use of shorter, standard tooling, because all tool rotations occur above the part. Swiveling-head machines tend to be more versatile, lending themselves to using multiple fixtures, vises or tombstones. This somewhat simulates the appeal of an HMC.

 

A trunnion-style machine is often preferred in moldmaking, because both rotary axes are contained in the trunnion table itself and the spindle head is stationary. This configuration is similar to that of the three- or four-axis machines most moldmakers are already used to. The spindle head reaches out over the tilting table, providing better undercut capabilities and some access to the underside of the part. As the spindle head itself does not rotate, trunnion-style machines tend to be more effective in heavy chip removal and can use full X, Y and Z travels to accommodate large parts.

 

If you need more information about 5 axis machining center, please do not miss Vision Wide Tech Co., Ltd. – the company is the professional CNC machine tool manufacturer owning brand “VISION WIDE”, provides wide range products from heavy cutting to high speed, from 3-axis spindle to 5-axis spindle, and from metal cutting to composite material machining centers which have been applied in vehicles manufacture, power generating, aerial components and so on. Widely applied in curve-based polyhedral machining. Learn more details, welcome to visit Vision Wide immediately.

 

Article Source: Modern Machine Shop

The Best Running Socks for a Marathon

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Keeping your feet free from blisters and pain is essential to finishing a marathon and the right socks contribute to your foot health. When choosing the best marathon socks for you, consider the material, cushioning, height and special features of the socks. Most importantly, choose your socks early in your marathon training so you have plenty of time to ensure they won’t cause blisters or hot spots on your feet.

 

Material Choice

Cotton holds on to moisture, leaving it on your feet where it can lead to chafing. Avoid cotton and opt instead for synthetic or wool socks. Synthetic socks are typically made from a combination of acrylic, polyester or spandex. These materials wick the moisture away from your feet, leaving them drier and with less chance to blister. Synthetic materials tend to dry faster than wool socks, while wool socks may provide more insulation in extreme temperatures. Consider synthetic socks if you plan to race on a hot, humid day and wool socks if you plan to race in the winter.

 

Pick Your Padding

Choosing the best cushioning is primarily personal preference and you may have to run in a variety of socks before you find your favorites. However, a few general guidelines may help you narrow your choices. If you already run in a well-cushioned shoe, thin socks with little cushioning may work well. If you tend to like lighter, less cushioned shoes, consider a more padded sock to protect your feet from the repetitive impact they’ll endure over 26 miles. Because the thickness of the sock can affect the temperature of your feet, you may need to adjust your choice based on the predicted conditions of the race, opting for thinner marathon socks if it will be a hot day.

 

Select a Height

Sock height can play a role in skin protection. No-show socks cover only the part of your foot in the shoe and are best if you don’t get blisters on your Achilles and want a minimal sock. Low socks cover your foot and part of your ankle, while quarter socks typically cover your entire ankle. Low and quarter socks can help prevent blisters on the Achilles. Crew socks cover your ankle and part of your calf, while knee-high socks cover your entire calf. Choose crew or knee high marathon socks if you’re running a trail marathon and want to protect your calves from branches or weeds.

 

Special Features

Like any sports equipment, a variety of specialty running socks are available. Some runners choose knee high compression socks in the hopes of preventing calf cramps. Others choose socks with toes, hoping to prevent blisters between the toes. Your best bet when it comes to special features and socks is to try them in training. If they work well on long training runs, they’ll likely serve you well on race day.

 

Best Marathon Socks Manufacturer

If you need more information about marathon socks and compression socks manufacturer, I recommend that you can visit the website of Footland Inc.

 

The company is a reliable socks manufacturer with a fully integrated operation chain from design sketches up to packing and delivery. They also imported Lonati machines from Italy for making various and competitive socks.

 

Footland Inc. is reputable for its strict quality control with a clientele of international brands including Timberland. Learn more details, please do not hesitate to contact with Footland.

 

Article Source: LIVESTRONG.COM

Advantages of CNC Grinding

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Anyone who uses CNC grinding machines is bound to enjoy the numerous advantages associated with the machines. In contrast to traditional grinding, CNC grinding produces very light cuts and fine finishes to your workpieces. The machines also make it possible to use less skilled people and limited supervision to perform your project. When looking for a CNC grinding machine, you will want to buy and use a power tool that will perform your project within the time frames you set. There are many advantages of using a machine that is suitable for grinding your materials.

Machines Work for Longer Without Breaks

Like all other CNC machines, CNC grinding machines can run 24/7, 365 days a year without the need for breaks. The only time that the machines will require to be stopped is during maintenance work. This allows you to carry out your project without any interruptions. In the end, the inconvenience of breakdowns is eliminated.

Produce in Large Quantities

Regardless of the quantity of the material that you want to grind, CNC grinding machines will fit the bill. This is partly because the machines run all year round without interruptions. This will enable you to meet the demand of your customers at all times.

High Levels of Accuracy

CNC machines can be programmed to produce fine surfaces and top-quality cuts with precision. The machine will produce great finishes in line with the specifications you provide in the operating software. This reduces the amount of waste as well as the possibility of products that do not meet the needs for which they are produced.

Software to Improve Performance

CNC grinding machines operate on software. When you want to improve the performance of your machines, all you will need to do is update your software. The latest software will also help you to perform many operations in a single setup. This will help in cutting costs and saving time.

Identical Manufacturing

CNC grinding makes it possible to produce identical products in bulk. When customers request your products in large quantities, CNC machines will help you to achieve identical manufacturing. All the components produced through CNC grinding will be an exact match to each other.

Article Source: Sturdy Grinding

Precision CNC Machining of Medical Implants

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Machining parts with complex geometries and fine surface finishes is common in the aerospace and automotive markets, but medical implant manufacturing takes it to a whole other level. A common saying in manufacturing for space applications is, “there is no repair shop in space.” The quality, precision and reliability of each part must be perfect because once it leaves this world, it just has to work since millions of dollars are on the line. Arguably, the same holds true in medical machining. If an orthopaedic implant doesn’t work correctly, the health and well-being of a patient is affected. When the surgery is complete, it just has to work.

 

Global demographic trends indicate that the need for medical implants will grow, and so will competition in the market. According to Seco Tools, approximately five major suppliers claim 85 percent of the orthopaedic component manufacturing market, with more than 200 companies fighting for the remaining 15 percent share.

 

Materials

Just like in any other engineering discipline, material is a critical consideration for medical implants. The two characteristics of material performance are biofunctionality and biocompatibility. Biofunctionality is more of a consideration for things such as plastic materials—the functionality of bone and joint implants is well-served by most metals. With metals, biocompatibility is the main consideration—examining corrosion properties of the metal and interaction of the corrosion reaction and the body’s tissues.

 

According to a recent article co-authored by Jan-Willem van Iperen and Ruud Zanders, engineers at SECO tools, the most common materials for knee and hip implants are cobalt-chrome alloy, such as CoCr28Mo6, and titanium, such as Ti6Al4V. Titanium is less popular but growing. Stainless steel also is used for temporary implants, as it is less corrosion resistant than cobalt-chrome or titanium.

 

Bar stock, forgings or castings are typically the starting point for machining operations, which are followed by grinding and polishing. Machining these materials can be challenging due to the same characteristics that make them functional in the body—their high strength and stiffness.

 

For example, cobalt-chrome is hard, abrasive and highly elastic. This can cause intense tool wear, compounded by the material’s low heat conductivity. Titanium, on the other hand, has the lovely property of work-hardening, as well as poor heat conductivity. During machining, heat builds up at the cutting edge and tool face.

The usual response to these types of materials is to dump plenty of coolant into the cut. However, traditional coolants can contaminate medical implants, requiring expensive and time-consuming cleaning processes. For this reason, Fusion Coolant Systems developed a coolant system using supercritical carbon dioxide. For more information about scCO2 dry-cutting technology, visit Fusion Cooling Systems.

 

Machining Operations

Like other manufactured parts, orthopaedic implants can involve several machines or computer numerical control (CNC) cutting operations, including grinding and even potentially metal 3D printing. On the machining center, operations for a typical knee implant can include roughing, tray base roughing, tray base finishing, chamfer milling, T-slot undercut machining, wall finishing/chamfering and undercut deburring. The goal is to achieve the required surface finish on the machine, reducing the need for time-consuming manual finishing.

 

Five-axis milling and grinding machines provide advantages to working with the complex shapes and contours of orthopaedic implants.

 

Cutting Tools

Seco Tools has introduced a line of cutting tools designed to shorten knee implant cycle times through high-speed machining and other aggressive milling strategies.

 

The Jabro medical range includes nine geometries and 39 tools, most of which are part of the Jabro Tornado high-speed cutting family. Each geometry is designed for particular applications in the machining of tibial tray and femoral knee implant components. Additionally, because these new dedicated tools are targeted for the machining of CoCr (cobalt-chrome) and 3-D printed Ti6Al4V ISO-S12 parts, they can be used for other medical implant components as well, including parts used in hip replacements and bone plates.

 

Should You Get into the Medical Machining Market?

If your machine shop already does high-precision or 5-axis machining for aerospace, it could be worthwhile to look into this lucrative, albeit highly competitive, manufacturing market. If your shop is eying the medical implant market, consider the following factors:

  • What is your capability for small-scale or micromachining? Some medical devices require very small components.
  • What is your capability to machine titanium and other challenging materials?
  • Can you efficiently manufacture small-batch or custom one-off complex parts?
  • Can you shop meet FDA certification standards for your machining processes?
  • Can your equipment handle the complex geometries required?

 

For more information on the equipment required for medical machining, check out this article from Mazak about its 5-axis machines’ applicability in this market.

 

By the way, if you have any interest in precision CNC machining, I recommend that you can visit Champion H&C Inc.: www.hc-aluminum.com. The company can provide a variety of CNC machined products for you. Get more details, welcome to check out Champion H&C product pages.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.engineering.com/AdvancedManufacturing/ArticleID/16486/Precision-CNC-Machining-of-Medical-Implants.aspx