DRILL FIXTURE
DRILL FIXTURE SUMMARY
Pipeline developed an automated 2-up drill fixture to remove a precise amount of material from a medical device as part of an in-line processing step in the manufacturing. .
TEAM:
Mechanical Engineer, Controls Engineer, PLC Programmer
DESIGN TOOLS USED:
Solidworks, 3D Printing
MARKET:
Medical Devices
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
- Remove a precise amount of material from a medical device, in a precise location
- Process two devices at a time (2-up)
- Include safety features to protect the operators
- Minimize cycle times
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
Custom drill bits were ordered to facilitate the precision material removal required for the fixture. These drill bits were connected to an industrial motor and mounted to a custom-made frame. A rail and carriage were used to move the device components in and out of the drill zone and safety enclosures were used to shroud this zone.
The machine was controlled using an industrial PLC (programmable logic controller) which Pipeline programmed with the necessary steps to turn the drill heads on and off, and move the component nests in and out of the operational zone. Once the drill operation was completed, the nest automatically opened so the operator could easily remove the processed components.
