Top Tool

Posted by Marty Cavegn, Sales Engineer

Top Tool enthusiastically presents at several well-done tradeshows and expositions specific to medical device and health sciences manufacturing. Without question, the shows are among the best sources of insight into customer challenges in precision micromanufacturing. This space can't capture all the compelling in-booth discussions, but here are a few observations from last week's MD&M West in Anaheim.

I've also linked to previous Top Tool blog posts related to the topic at-hand.

1.  "We expect better material management from our stamping supplier." A micro stamping provider should add significant value to supply chain effectiveness through precise, cost-efficient raw material managmenet. Especially in the case of precious metals and exotic materials. (Related blogs here and here)  

2.  It’s a small (micro) world. More and more, the medical industry is following the international standard of measurement in millimeters. Previously, you frequently heard references to “thousandths of an inch.” That’s less and less the case now. Most discussions on precision and complexity are in millimeters. (Related blog here)

3.  “Wow, never even thought about die cutting it. You can do that?” It’s one of the most encouraging things we hear. And the answer frequently is “yes.” We got the question again at MD&M West in connection with our experience working with mesh and fibers. (Related blog here)

4.  “Someone is making it now, but struggling with the 0.1524mm thickness.” The combination of difficult material, complexity and ultra-thin components can put micro stamping to the test. A challenge we welcome, of course. (Related blog here)

5.  A glimpse into applications intersecting with micro stamping. Frequent booth discussions on stainless steel surgical tools, many categories of health monitoring, and catheter-based treatments or therapies. (Related blog here)

6.  What method has an inside track on repeating patterns and volume? We discussed a number of projects requiring a component solution that deals efficiently and precisely with repeating patterns. In other words, how to provide parts – typically for reel-to-reel or continuous feed automation – with multiple small, repeated features. (Related blog here)

Finally, micro stamping is even gaining validation among competitive methodologies. Everyone in the Top Tool booth agrees there was noticeable interest from contract manufacturing suppliers who seem to be evaluating the addition of micro stamping capability to enhance their existing medical device component capability. Obviously, we think they are extremely wise to notice the stamping value-add.

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