See why micro metal stamping is a “go-to” technology for medical component complexity and precision.
Micro Stamping For Life
Envision a micro part only two millimeters in size. Or smaller. With multiple, complex features down to 100 microns. And tolerances as tight as 13 microns. (That’s one-sixth the thickness of notebook paper.)
Why does a medical device engineer turn to micro stamping for a platinum pacemaker electrode? Or a stainless surgical staple?
Often, only micro stamping can achieve micron-level dimensions, complex geometries and ultra-tight tolerances, while working in challenging materials.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Top Tool thrives on R&D-stage challenges. Especially in collaboration on medical projects requiring specialized experience to design, engineer and produce intricate micro parts.
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PRECIOUS METALS,
EXOTIC MATERIALS
An extensive history in medical device regulation prepares Top Tool to support FDA compliance while leveraging the miniaturization, materials and complexity that drive product innovation.
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RISK MANAGEMENT, CONTROL PLANS
Managing risk is critical to achieving the potential in emerging medical device innovation. But critical micro parts are complex.
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FDA REGULATION, VALIDATION
An extensive history in medical device regulation prepares Top Tool to support FDA compliance while leveraging the miniaturization, materials and complexity that drive product innovation.
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CASE STUDY: Micro Stamping For Medical Breakthrough
Top Tool is collaborating with a leading global innovator on futuristic cardiac care that requires a level of complex and precise micro fabrication that metal stamping could not fulfill as recently as 10 years ago. LEARN MORE
A defense OEM needed to get back on track after unsuccessful prototypes stopped forward progress at product test. The molder in the supply chain was delivering assemblies, but a metal component was out of sync with molding requirements. Top Tool collaborated with OEM engineers and the molder to redesign the prototype part for functionality, performance and manufacturability.
Defense
Top Tool specializes in stamping precision complex components for highly regulated defense customers. Our engineers will work with you from design through full-scale production to create ultra-precise components with the tightest tolerances -- on budget and on schedule -- every time. The components we manufacture for defense industry customers include:
- Mission-critical components
- Electronic systems
- Electronic contacts
- Sensors
Top Tool is ITAR-Compliant
As a micro component supplier to defense industry manufacturers, Top Tool is obligated to implement strict systems and processes compliant with the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) national security directive. ITAR has been in place since 1976 to control the export of defense-related technologies and services. Compliance indicates military-related OEMs – and organizations in their supply chains – have established high standards in control, compliance and confidentiality to prevent the disclosure or transfer of sensitive information into
the hands of foreign nationals who may represent U.S. national security threats.
What started as a routine tool design/build RFQ became a challenge to solve a significant, unique and high-impact component challenge in nuclear power generation. In that highly regulated space, contract manufacturers often pass. Top Tool, with deep experience in implantable medical devices and defense, had the regulatory expertise and track record say "yes."
Energy
The world relies on energy to power the systems that sustain and improve the lives of billions of people. Energy, in turn, relies on complex precision components. Top Tool understands the importance helping to keep the wheels turning. Our customers require a tooling and manufacturing partner they can trust to deliver high-quality products on time, while complying with stringent regulations.
As a precision metal stamping company with a dedication to regulated industries, Top Tool is highly familiar with specialized materials used in energy products, and has the technical and quality assurance and experience the energy industry needs to succeed. The components we make for energy industry customers include:
- Pressure Transmitter components
- Sensors
- Temperature sensor components
As originally designed and drawn, the electrode would be turned on a metal lathe because it was round. From a cost standpoint, there was one important factor. "Round" was a non-critical feature. Top Tool collaborated with the product development team on a redesign that kept key features, but made it possible to stamp the part from rectangular stock.
Electronics
Electronic footprints are becoming smaller and smaller. What previously occupied an entire desktop now fits easily in the palm of a hand. Top Tool complex precision metal stamping components on the micro scale are helping drive this miniaturization. Whatever the need in semiconductors, computers, avionics and much more, our engineers use the finest materials and laser-calibrated tooling.
Precision down to the um level (1 um = 0.000039in), radii down to 0.0008in, and tolerances to +/- 0.0005in ensure total reliability when there's no room for error. The components Top Tool manufactures for the electronics industry include:
- Micro contacts
- Terminals
- Connectors
3M was in production on the precision ground stainless steel blade stamped for the new Scotch™ Paper Cutter. Problems with the stamping supplier threatened getting the product to stores. 3M engineers suspended production and brought the part to Top Tool.
Specialty Consumer
Top Tool creates a variety of components for specialty consumer companies that manufacture items like paper cutters, utility cutters, hair trimmers and more. Our engineers will work with you from design through full-scale production to consistently provide ultra-precise components with the tightest tolerances. The precision metal stamping components we manufacture for specialty consumer industry customers include:
- Precision blades
- Retainers
- Tension springs
