The Tridex APM-SG Automated Pointing Machine Surface Grinder is a fully automated, programmable pointing and material-handling system for producing Menghini, tri-bevel, back-bevel, trocar, diamond, stylet, Franseen, Chiba, Pencil point, and other custom points. Its design is modeled on the same burr-free grinding technology as the Tridex SG-1645 and SG-2060 ECG Grinders and the precision handling of the Tridex PGS-100.
For maximum productivity, the APM-SG incorporates a pallet index table and two PGS-100 fixtures for ECG or two PGS-100A fixtures for abrasive grinding. By loading automatically while grinding, output and productivity increase by nearly 3x for specialty medical needle-pointing applications such as Menghini and Trocar needles. The APM-SG integrates easily into a complete pointing cell with secondary operations such as electropolishing, grit blasting, and laser marking.
For shorter cannulas, the APM-SG cuts and points blanks, then a robot transfers the pointed parts to a single-axis ECG cuto machine, such as the Tridex MCS-12 Single Axis Burr-Free Cuto Machine, for trimming to length.
- For maximum productivity, the APM-SG incorporates a larger pallet index table accommodating two PGS-100 fixtures for ECG or two PGS-100A fixtures for abrasive grinding.
- Capable of producing Menghini, tri-bevel, back-bevel, trocar, diamond, stylet, Franseen, Chiba, Pencil point, and other custom points.
- Capable of grinding cannula and other parts with hubs.
- Cannula (tubes or wires) remain stationary for point angles and do not tilt.
- Easily integrates into a complete pointing cell with secondary operations, such as electropolishing, grit blasting, and laser marking.
- Double-ended needles can be pointed with additional tooling
- With an additional automation cell, shorter cannulas can be pointed and then automatically transferred to a single-axis ECG cuto machine.
- Precise Flange-mounted electrolytic grinding spindle, with 7.5HP (10kw) direct-drive servo motor
- A moving platen with a servo motor and ballscrew precisely controls cannula rotation.
- Cannulas need no tape for holding the tubes in place.
Work Piece Diameter: 0.012” (30 gauge) – 0.240”
Work Piece Length: Min 0.9” – Max 15.5”
Bevel Angle: 10 degrees minimum standard, smaller point angles are tooling dependent
Positioning Accuracy: +/- .0001”/4” (0.0025mm/100mm)
Repeatability: +/- .00004” (0.001mm)
Clamp Width: 3.94” (100mm)
Spindle Motor:7.5HP (5.6KW) Direct Drive AC Spindle Motor – No Drive Belt, 0 – 3,500 RPM
- Power Supply: 20V DC, 300A Solid State (600A, 1000A Optional)
- Control: Mitsubishi M80CNC control, MPG Handwheel
- Electrolyte Supply Tank: 50 Gallon (200 Liter) Sealed Stainless Steel
- Safety Standards: Meets CE and ISO 13849.1 Safety Standards
- Machine Weight: 17,000 lbs (7,711kg)
- Footprint: 171″ x 66″ x 88″ (4,343mm x 1,676mm x 2,235mm)
- Electric: 480V 60amps 3ph
- Air: 10CFM @ 80PSI
- Point Geometry changes by rotation, and the wheel position is controlled by CNC.
- Servo ballscrew design for high-precision rotation and repeatability.
- 4” wide wheel Plunge Grinds all cannulas at once
- Integrated Servo Drive Wheel Dresser
- Robust all stainless-steel construction and enclosed design doesn’t corrode, keeping the loading area dry and protected from electrolyte.
- Stainless steel electrolyte tank sealed against mist and leaks.
- Long-life precision rubber clamp pads.
- Pneumatic cylinders for clamping.
- Programmable part setup, no mechanical adjustments.
- Wheel moves in X, Y, and Z axes.
- Standard Mitsubishi M80CNC control with MPG Handwheel.
- Meets CE & ISO 13849 safety standards.
- The standard machine is ECG, and an abrasive version is also available depending on customer requirements.
- The ECG process allows for higher metal removal and long wheel life.
- Based on the proven Tridex SG-2060 platform
- Machine front opens towards the operator or robot for easier setup and loading; changeovers between diameters and tip profiles take minutes to complete.
- Simpler Automation.
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Medical Manufacturing Technologies (MMT) is a vertically integrated business serving the medical device manufacturing industry and beyond. The company offers process development, applications and equipment, technical solutions, and aftermarket support. MMT brands include Cathtip, Comco, Engineering By Design, FEPeeler, GenX Medical, Glebar, Interface Catheter Solutions, MMT Automation, MPT Europe, R&D Engineering, SYNEO, Somex Automation, and Tridex Technologies.
