New Partnership: Otec and Technologia Diseño Industrial

As a manufacturer of medical implants in Mexico, Tecnología Y Diseño Industrial (TDI) prioritizes delivering high-quality products that meet the stringent demands of the healthcare industry. Surface finishing plays a critical role in ensuring both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their products, making it a key area for innovation and optimization.

Manual processes and limited efficiency

Before partnering with OTEC, TDI faced significant challenges in their surface finishing processes. Their previous approach combined vibratory finishing with ceramic media and manual post-processing using abrasive pads. While this method achieved the required uniform shine for titanium anodization, it came with several drawbacks:

• Material Limitations: The ceramic media left a matte gray surface that could not be fully polished with abrasive pads, impacting the final product‘s quality.
• Time-Intensive Processes: Manual post-processing required dedicated personnel, leading to long production times and inefficiencies.
• Technical Support: With surface finishing machinery being relatively new to the Mexican market, TDI struggled with limited technical support from previous suppliers.
• These challenges highlighted the need for a more efficient, high-quality, and technically supported solution.

The Solution: Surface finishing technology from OTEC

In 2023, TDI took a transformative step by integrating OTEC’s DF-5 machine into their production line. Specifically designed for polishing joint replacement components like knee and hip implants, the DF-5 replaced the previously used vibratory finishing machines and manual processes. Following this success, TDI expanded their collaboration with OTEC, acquiring additional machines such as the HV-20, CF 2X50 and CF 2x18 to further enhance their finishing capabilities.

Key Integration Highlights:

• The DF-5 machine replaced manual polishing with abrasive pads and flap wheels, significantly reducing processing times for joint replacement products.
• The new machines are set to replace manual post-processing for other implant systems, improving production efficiency and consistency.
• OTEC provided comprehensive support, inviting TDI to their in-house Finishing Center in Germany to analyse and optimise processes

The partnership with OTEC has enabled TDI to sustainably optimise their production processes. The results:

• Improved quality: Surface finishing is now more uniform and precise, reducing dimensional deviations and enhancing product quality.
• Shorter processing times: Automated processes have increased production speed and efficiency.
• Reduced scrap rates: Material defects have been minimized, leading to a 30% reduction in defective products.
• Cost savings: Process optimisation and reduced rework have resulted in cost savings.
• Upskilled workforce: The introduction of new technology has allowed TDI to employ specialised personnel and enhance workforce qualifications.

(Source: Otec Präzisionsfinish GmbH)