PRESS RELEASE

MEDICAL DEVICE MAKER REAPS REWARDS FROM

ATI STELLRAM’S NEW 4E GEOMETRY

A European medical device manufacturer’s decision to choose Stellram’s new 4E turning geometry for machining prosthetic parts is paying dividends by delivering a superior surface finish and 40% longer tool life.

The company, based in Udine, northern Italy, is also achieving a 40% improvement in productivity of the chrome cobalt alloy components thanks to a faster cutting speed and higher feed rate.

The manufacturer turned to ATI Stellram, the solution provider for difficult-to-machine materials, for advice on how to further improve the quality of its range of knee and hip implants for a French-based distributor, who supplies them to clinics and hospitals throughout Europe including western Switzerland.

ATI Stellram’s European technical team based near Geneva, Switzerland, also worked closely with metallurgical experts from it’s sister company, ATI Allvac, a speciality metals producer, to recommend Stellram® WNMG ISO Utility turning insert with a 4E geometry and new grade SP0819 for use on the manufacturer’s Okuma lathe.

During the machining process, the cutting speed is maintained at 32m/min with a feed rate of 0.12mm/rev which has provided a 2m/min improvement and 20% increase respectively in comparison to other competitor products. An emulsion coolant is also used to help prevent built-up edge on the tool.

The hard-wearing 4E insert’s Nano TiAIN PVD coating and tough, micro-grain carbide substrate are specially designed to be more resistant to the heat and wear demands of high temperature alloy machining.

It is able to produce a smoother surface finish and high levels of component dimension integrity due to its precise, reinforced chipbreaker profile and positive cutting action. The 4E geometry is also suitable for machining components made from stainless steel and titanium-based alloys.

“While our customer is very impressed with the significant improvement in productivity, the achievements of a higher quality surface finish and much longer tool life are the most important benefits to him,” explained Ivano Migliore, ATI Stellram’s European turning manager.

“The device maker is also extremely happy with the service and technical support received from ATI Stellram, in particular, our vast expertise in the area of difficult-to-machine materials such as alloys with high cobalt content,” he added.

Further information on ATI Stellram’s range of turning products for medical device manufacturing can be obtained from Elena Gandiglio on 00 41 22 354 9711 or email egandiglio@stellram.com. Alternatively, visit the ATI Stellram website at www.atistellram.com.

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Note to editors:

ATI Stellram is one of several business units of ATI Engineered Products of the ATI group of companies. ATI is a leading producer of speciality metals including titanium and titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys and superalloys, and stainless steel and speciality alloys. ATI Stellram has manufacturing facilities in the United States, United Kingdom and Switzerland, with 9 sales offices around the world and a product distribution network covering 40 countries.