Medical Component Manufacturer Expands with Swiss

Medical Component Manufacturer Expands with Swiss
  • Industry: Medical Manufacturing
  • Process: Swiss Turning
  • MGI Division: Rem Sales
  • Builder Tool: Tsugami BU26/BU38 ( Gang + Turret)
  • Outcome: Odyssey Medical’s intricate knowledge of the market, a motivated and effective manufacturing team, and Tsugami Precision Swiss Turns have made Odyssey Medical’s bold move into orthopedic component manufacturing a remarkable success.

 » Challenge

Medical parts manufacturer wanted to diversify business into another segment of the medical field, streamline the process, improve and track quality.

 

 

 » Solution

In March of 2004, Odyssey Medical selected a Tsugami BF 20 Swiss Turn, before adding a Tsugami BS20C with Rem Sales' patented thread whirling system. The two Tsugami machines have allowed Odyssey Medical to reach and maintain extremely tight tolerances. An implant assembly with an interference fit of 0.001" that used to require three setups is now machined to print in two setups. To more efficiently fill customer orders for small diameter screws with relatively large heads, Odyssey Medical recently added a Tsugami BU26SY combination gang slide / turret Swiss Turn machine. As a solution for bulk metal removal on screws requiring 1" stock, the BU26SY is ideally suited and gives Odyssey Medical the ability to expand into additional market segments.

 » Assessment

In an effort to grow through diversification, Odyssey Medical began to look at penetrating the larger orthopedic component market. There were two barriers to entry: stringent FDA regulations and extremely tight tolerances on all machined parts. While the Odyssey Medical Management team believed they could handle regulatory compliance in house, they began looking for a manufacturing solution.

 

 » Results

Odyssey Medical's intricate knowledge of the market, a motivated and effective manufacturing team, and Tsugami Precision Swiss Turns have made Odyssey Medical's bold move into orthopedic component manufacturing a remarkable success. Their commitment to process improvement and part quality is the keystone that future success will be built around. "Process validation is a walk down the aisle with manufacturing and quality," concluded Tim Gooch. "The tool is using statistical techniques to determine process capability. If one doesn't have the tools that are capable, like Tsugami Swiss Turns, then you may as well go on to something else."

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