5 things you need to know about how to effectively clamp medical components

Manufacturing implants, bone nails, tibia components, micro scissors, and surgical instruments demand components with a high level of flexibility and quality. Clamping devices must be modular and cover a wide range of workpieces to meet these requirements. With workpiece clamping devices that offer functionality, efficiency, and compatibility, manufacturers can achieve rapid and precise results.

1. Lathe chucks for femoral head prosthesis

The workpieces used for prosthesis are especially sensitive to deformation. If the clamping forces are too low, it’s difficult to achieve a safe hold. If clamping forces are too high, parts can deform and don’t have the required precision.

As a solution, workpiece deformation is precisely calculated via finite element method (FEM), and the clamping solution is adjusted accordingly. The ROTA THW3 quick-change chuck, and ROTA NCR-A 6-jaw chuck can be used to achieve optimum results in this type of application.

2. 5-axis machining of implants with quick change pallet system combined with self-centering vise for workpiece clamping

In 5-axis machining of implants, which uses a wide range of workpieces, accessibility to the workpiece is paramount and set-up time needs to be as quick and accurate as possible.

Production efficiency and set-up time is considerably reduced when a self-centering vise clamping system is combined with a quick-change pallet system. This allows for full use of the existing machine’s performance without depending on quantity or workpiece requirements.

3. Producing bone nails with tombstones

A solution to this difficult machining task might be to use a tombstone, which provides the foundation for achieving best machining results. With a wide range of clamping options and loading densities, machine running times are increased significantly. A tombstone also allows for optimum workpiece accessibility, consistently high clamping forces, and high packing density.

4. Using a self-centering vise for sled prostheses

Setup on a clamping pallet or pyramid ensures this manual direct clamping vise offers maximum precision and high repeat accuracy on both clamping station and workpiece. It’s perfectly suited for automated machine tools.

5. Producing different sizes of titanium tibia components for knee implants

The method of clamping different sizes and types of tibia components using tombstones with TANDEM vises provides consistent clamping due to the use of pneumatic clamping blocks. It allows for simple and fast loading and unloading via a toggle switch as well as fast and simple setup using the jaw quick-change feature. A total of 12 clamping units also increases spindle efficiency.

For more information about how SCHUNK products are specifically suited to the medical industry, visit Schunk's website and you can also view the Solutions for Medical Technology brochure.