Questions with Andreas Kienzle and Damir Vidovic

1. What quality improvements, savings potential, etc. does multi-spindle machining offer?

Using multiple spindles in medical technology production can almost halve machining times, and SW’s torsion-free Monoblock guarantees more precision through stability. For more flexibility in axis positioning, we offer two independent Z-axes. We receive many partnership technology development requests, and by sharing experience, we develop innovative future-oriented processes to give customers a market advantage.

2. What other features distinguish SW for medical technology?

SW offers machines adapted to a task by designing the configuration and tooling specifically for the customer’s part and requirements. For medical technology products, our linear motor machines offer distinct advantages, such as achieving much better surfaces and geometrically precise 3D shapes. Axis movements without backlash also contribute to exceptionally high quality. Our experience is based on around 2,000 high-precision linear motor machines installed worldwide. Manufacturers struggling with issues related to part storage capacity and increased demand for single-use products are seeking unattended production. Our solution is the space-saving loading module “i” that’s integrated into the machine. SW can implement additional process steps such as deburring, scanning, cleaning, or labeling to be implemented. Fast and precise monitoring systems ensure smooth production in unattended shifts.

3. What are the trends in medical technology production?

Manufacturers are moving away from forgings to milling from solid, and reducing necessary post-processing of instruments. The benefits are improved quality, flexibility to machine various part models without having vise changeovers, and no post-processing such as grinding by hand. SW has developed a new concept allowing highly flexible milling of instruments from a flat stainless-steel plate, delivering clear advantages. Different instruments or variations can be milled from the same raw part with few or no changeovers. Additionally, clamping a plate is much more stable than one-side part clamping, allowing higher cutting speeds while extending cutting tool life. Raw part sheets are stored in the SW-developed automated loading tower, enabling unattended production for many hours. A significant advantage of this system is loading the stainless-steel plates into the hydraulic vises with a mechanical or vacuum gripper mounted on the robot.

4. What can customers expect from SW?

SW is a reliable partner. Together with our customers, we’ve developed many game-changing concepts tested and approved in our technology center. SW aims to reduce the customer’s production costs while maintaining or improving quality.

For more information:
https://sw-machines.com