Medical advances  

“We needed the new machine to be taken down in a lift to its chosen location in the production department,” says the company’s new product coordinator, Mick Marshall. “Because the Hyundai Wia weighs just 2,400kg and occupies a floorspace of only 1.9m by 1.6m, it was the ideal choice. That and, of course, the fact that it had all the technical attributes we wanted in a new lathe.”

Lancashire-based Orthoplastics is acknowledged as a recognised global supplier of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), supplying many of the world’s orthopaedic device manufacturers. Its premium grade UHMWPE is manufactured onsite and is the principle material of choice for a wide range of implants and devices for use in hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles and fingers. The company also supplies biocompatible plastics for instrument applications.

It was for the machining of UHMWPE kneecap components that the Hyundai Wia was installed, using a series of, ‘straightforward turning operations’ to produce a family of nine different sized parts extending up to 38mm diameter by just 15mm long.

Supplied by TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC), Hyundai Wia’s exclusive UK and Ireland agent, the 11kW/6,000rpm spindle E160 LMA’s maximum turning diameter and turning length of 280mm and 450mm, respectively; combined with a 480mm swing over the bed and 285mm swing over the carriage plus linear guideways and high-speed servo turret: “Is more than adequate for the application,” says Mr Marshall.

He adds: “The E160 LMA has now freed up much-needed capacity on the machine we formerly used. It is working across three shifts producing these components in large batches, and we’re utilising its 30m/minute rapid travel rates to the full.”

TW Ward CNC Machinery www.wardcnc.com