Outshining the Competition Isn't Always a Good Thing - Ask a Medical Instruments Manufacturer

Author:  Herb Tobben, Clemco Industries Corp
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Volume 21 / Issue 3, Summer 2007
Doc ID:  2007021
Year of Publication:  2007
Abstract:  
Problem: A manufacturer of stainless steel laparoscopic surgical tools wanted to improve efficiencies in their finishing operation. Their instruments were machined and came from the fabrication shop with burrs, small defects, surface oxide, and slight discoloration. With a production volume in the neighborhood of 4,000 pieces per week, they needed to process at a rate of one finished part every 10 seconds. Their finishing objectives included deburring and cleaning to remove oxidation and other contamination from the parts. Their manual process included sanding and wire brushing. A routine step also involved visually inspecting each finished part with a magnifying glass, a painstaking process. Attention to detail and a fine finish were required to meet the demands of their medical community customer base-not to mention outshining their competition.