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Source: Gorman Communications
Agency contact: Lynn Gorman, (203) 266-5831

Tornos Technologies U.S. Corp.
70 Pocono Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
Contact: Mark Saalmuller (203) 775-4319

Tornos Offers New Thread Whirling Attachments

BROOKFIELD, CT – June 2005 – Applications in orthopedic and dental surgery demand maximum precision and durability. Achieving high quality, burr-free threads on these parts is required to meet surgeons’ and governmental standards. Threading operations, particularly on small bone screw parts, can be a troublesome. Many manufacturers have resorted to buying expensive equipment dedicated to threading operations. Tornos was the first machine tool builder to combine thread whirling on its “Swiss” style machines in 1989.

With that foundation of expertise, Tornos knowledge of thread whirling and the nuances required to achieve exceptionally high quality, burr-free threads is vast. Further, no additional equipment and no secondary finishing operations are required. By incorporating specialized attachments, precision threading is easily and cost-effectively accomplished on Tornos’ line of DECO Swiss-type turning centers. To offer users even more of a choice in functionality, Tornos has recently added enhancements to its thread whirling unit, and is also introducing a larger external thread whirling attachment for use in counter operations.

Now Tornos users can whirl threads in the sub spindle
Tornos has developed a new thread whirling attachment that operates on the counter or “sub” spindle. This is an industry first. This attachment was designed to facilitate the whirling of larger size threads typically found on hip or “lag” orthopedic bone screws. Generally there are several operations required on the shank of these cannulated parts. These include drilling, turning, gundrilling, milling, broaching, deburring, tapping and part cut-off on the main spindle. On the opposite end of the part, additional operations include drilling, thread whirling, thread deburring, and milling in the counter spindle. The Tornos DECO 20a and 26a machines can produce these parts completely in one setup. In the past, 3 to 4 machine tools would be required to complete the job.

“The ability to machine the thread in counter operations allows the end user to manufacture the screw without secondary operations in most cases,” says Mark Saalmuller, Marketing and Communications Manager. “Further, since the thread is being cut in the sub spindle while the main spindle is producing the next part, the threading cycle time is free and thereby increasing throughput.”

New Schwanog Thread Whirling System
Schwanog is a manufacturer of carbide form tools in Europe. Several years ago, the company recognized the growth in orthopedics and developed a thread whirling device using replaceable tooling inserts. This new device is easily adaptable to existing Tornos whirling units. The carbide tools impart fine finishes on titanium and stainless, can be changed quickly, and reduce costs. For external threading, the device uses six inserts. With six inserts in the cut, the end user can increase tool life and cutting speed.

For more information, contact Tornos at 203-775-4319 or contact@tornosusa.com, www.tornos.ch.