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ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT METAL FINISHING

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MEDICAL IMPLANT FINISHING

Acme has designed and built more turnkey robotic finishing systems for orthopedic implants than anyone in the world with over 100 systems installed in the U.S., South America and Europe. Robotic manipulation of the implant, combined with servo-valve-controlled abrasive belt heads (utilizing radial wheel and an assortment of polishing media), replaces labor-intensive hand surface finishing operations.

 

Media usage can be cut by 50% or more. Modular tooling allows families of parts to be finished in the same cell. Each cell can include single and multiple media heads, accomplishing one to 12 finishing operations.

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Processes include (but not limited to):

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  • Removal of the casting gate with abrasive belts

  • Grinding of the casting form with abrasive belts

  • Abrasive belt polishing

  • Cut and color buffing

  • Ultra-high color buffing

  • Removal of flash on forged hip stems with abrasive belts

  • Complete finishing: hip stem, hip ball and cup, ascetabular hip shell

Implants finished on Acme systems include:

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  • Knees (chrome cobalt, zirconium, titanium)

  • Hip Stems (stainless steel, titanium)

  • Hip Cups and Balls (chrome cobalt)

  • Tibia Trays (chrome cobalt)

  • Bone Plates and Nails (stainless steel, chrome cobalt)

  • Hip Shells (titanium ascetabular)

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Cost Savings

 

Switching from manual to robotic automation finishing alone can give you up to six times longer media life, as a result of contact efficiency (time on the part), constant work pressure, cycle time repeat-ability, and part path programming capability. Flexible, automatic force control, with variable-speed spindle motors, optimizes compliance (response and reaction) of the finishing heads to suit the operation.

 

Off-line programming and simulation (Roboguide) speeds up the program development process and increases utilization of the robotic finishing system. Programs for complex parts and shapes are created and verified quickly.

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Heat monitoring allows automatic process modification to reduce affects of excess heat.

 

Universal tooling concepts developed by Acme for knee and hip finishing reduce system design, build and operation costs. All equipment is built to RIA and CE specifications.

 

Unattended operation, with custom part queuing options, reduces labor content.
Maintenance time and costs are minimized with on-line diagnostics and documentation. Troubleshooting can be performed via modem and/or internet, with Ethernet host support.

 

Media Life Management and Control

 

Automatic media wear compensation software ensures consistent performance throughout the life of belts and buff wheels by adjusting cell process parameters (such as cutting rate and force) to match the performance and lifespan of the media. Media life management software can provide up to five times longer belt life than conventional methods.

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