Surface finishes for prosthetic and orthotic components

Ottobock’s products and services in prosthetics, orthotics, human mobility, and patient care have helped achieve independence and quality of life for patients with restricted mobility. The company’s developments include the microprocessor-controlled knee joint C-Leg controlled by an app, the computer-controlled leg prosthesis C-Brace, the multi-articulated bebionic hand, and Juvo electrical wheelchairs. Since 2018 Ottobock has used mechanical and medical know-how to create and maintain a healthy working environment.

Organized manufacturing, optimized processes

The company uses different manufacturing technologies. Mass finishing processes play an important role: they must ensure the products meet all functional requirements while producing an optically pleasing surface finish. This includes creating a homogeneous surface structure on the components primarily made from aluminum and stainless steel. Some products require a high-gloss polish.

Keramo-Finish replaces acids

An acid-based process for creating a high-gloss polish was replaced by a Keramo-Finish operation using a porcelain polishing media with a special paste and a brightening compound. The new, acid-free process allows the complete recycling of process water, significantly decreasing water and compound consumption, and cost.

The polishing operation takes place in high-performance rotary vibrator, model R 780 EC. The shape of the processing bowl creates a gentle, homogeneous flow of media and work piece mix, polishing and separating small and large work pieces efficiently and gently. The same operational benefits are achieved with the second new rotary vibrator, model R 420 EC, used for a broad spectrum of applications ranging from deburring and edge radiusing to surface smoothing.

For the eco-friendly cleaning and recycling of process water, the two-mass finishing machines are connected to a semi-automatic model Z 800 Rösler centrifugal cleaning system.

Energy-efficient drying operation

The latest version of the RT 550 EuroDH rotary dryer is used to dry finished work pieces. The patented direct-heat dryer is equipped with a heat-block heating system directly mounted to the base plate of the processing bowl, ensuring a highly efficient heat transfer with minimal heat loss. The rotary dryer Euro-DH plays a key role in energy management within the framework of the recently introduced standard DIN EN ISO 50001. The new dryer also helps reduce CO2 emissions.

Rösler Metal Finishing USA LLC
https://us.rosler.com