MTD Micro Molding, a manufacturer of micro medical device components, has grown its in-house metrology capabilities by adding a new optical 3D metrology system. With this investment, the company hopes to deliver faster, more precise, and fully traceable measurements for small and complex medical device components.

The new optical 3D system complements CT scanning aims to allow quicker decision-making in development, production, and quality. The machine allows nanometer precision to thoroughly inspect and document part dimensions, internal features, and material integrity.

Engineers using the system can gain valuable insights early in the project timeline because it can simulate sub-micron measurements without needing a physical part. Hidden, high-risk areas can be spotted sooner so designs and tooling can be more quickly optimized.

Most importantly for the company, customers can see demanding micro-geometry and critical dimension measured with confidence even on parts under 1 mm in size.

“As medical devices get increasingly smaller and more complex, our customers are asking for both tighter tolerances and faster turnaround,” said Gary Hulecki, CEO of MTD Micro Molding. “Precise measurement is critical. If a part cannot be measured successfully, it cannot be verified—and ultimately, it cannot go to market.”

The new technology can also perform 3D optical scans of steel mold components with resolutions fine enough to measure VDI and SPI surface finishes. These scans can be mapped against mold component CAD models to assess how different machining and grinding processes impact steel dimensions and stack-up tolerances.

These high-resolution data sets, according to MTD, create a whole new way to quantify tool manufacturing and troubleshooting.

For example, the company is presently working on a micro overmolded component involving a polymer component being molded onto multiple steel pins. The design features surface roughness the company can new measure more easily with its new optical 3D measuring equipment.

Previously, capturing that necessary GD&T data would have needed multiple setups on different measuring device.

“We’ve been told that we’re the first company like ours to invest in this equipment,” said Hulecki. “MTD has a long history of being the first to adopt cutting-edge equipment—not for the sake of having the shiniest new technology, but because it helps us anticipate and respond to our customers’ speed of innovation.”

What is micromolding and when is it needed? Find out from MTD Micro Molding R&D engineer Patrick Haney in this Medtech Makers Q&A!