The combined expertise and close collaboration of application engineers from TYROLIT and grinding machine manufacturer Schütte has resulted in a sensational jump in productivity. New TYROLIT grinding tools together with the 325 linear multi-functional grinding machine from Schütte have reduced process times by two thirds.

David Hawel

02.10.2019

The combined expertise and close collaboration of application engineers from TYROLIT and grinding machine manufacturer Schütte has resulted in a sensational jump in productivity. New TYROLIT grinding tools together with the 325 linear multi-functional grinding machine from Schütte have reduced process times by two thirds.

 

 

The field of medical technology is booming with continuous growth rates. With an ageing population, there is greater demand for implants and joint prostheses as people want to remain active well into old age. There has been a noticeable increase in the technical requirements with respect to the geometric accuracy and surface finish of artificial joint replacements as well as the requirements for the production of such components. Manufacturers are also faced with rising cost pressure in the international market as well as the desire to keep production times as short as possible.

Working in close cooperation with grinding machine manufacturer Schütte, we successfully managed to break this vicious cycle and reduce the grinding times for artificial knee joints made from cobalt/chrome casting (ISO 5832-4) in combination with the multi-functional grinding machine 325 Linear from Schütte by one third – from the original time of 12 minutes to just 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

 

 

For the design of the new tool, we chose a patented core made from a high-strength, yet lightweight aluminium base alloy. This alloy has much better damping characteristics and is also 65% lighter than a conventional steel core. The grinding layer consists of vitrified bonded CBN and offers a high stock removal rate combined with extremely cool grinding. The shape of the grinding layer (1FF1) also offers major advantages; as the entire grinding layer height of 20 mm can be fully utilised, thereby increasing productivity for customers.

Wit the GENIS 2 N-LW (Natural Lightweight) product line, we aim to set a completely new standard for the grinding of knee joints. Initial applications for a customer in Germany show that excellent grinding results can be achieved using this tool, with low unit costs.

 

 

For us, this is yet another example illustrating that we are at the pulse of time with our innovative precision tools, specifically for customers working in medical technology.

TYROLIT products for knee joint grinding :

The vitrified bonded CBN single wheel with a CF core allows for a maximum cutting speed of 160 m/s. The abrasive layer excels through high stock removal with a very cool cut. The new grinding tool can be used across the whole rim hight of 20 mm. This avoids premature tool changes and saves costs. The wheel can also be replated.

The vitrified bonded CBN single wheel is also availabe with a steel core.