35 / 87
LISI MEDICAL
PECM approval for minimally
invasive surgery instruments
The series tests conducted in 2017 on Precision
Electrochemical Machining (PECM) techniques
have made it possible to standardize the method
within thedivision. Amachine, acquiredon theLISI
MEDICALRemmelesiteofBigLake(Minnesota,U.S.),
isintheindustrializationprocessforthemanufacture
of instruments forminimally invasive surgery. This
process allows producing parts with complex
geometries ensuring very precise dimensions and
polishedmirror-like surface conditions.
GAINS / BENEFITS
Precise, quick machining
Surfacing quality
Costs
Alternatives to metal fasteners
The search for lighter vehicles relies on structures
and assemblies of various materials (steel,
aluminum, composites, etc.) whose physical,
chemical and mechanical properties differ.
To last, resist relaxation (loss of tension in the
assembly over time) or corrosion, these complex
combinations require optimized fastening and
assembly processes. The overmoulding of metal
fasteners (using a polymer loaded with glass
fibers or carbon to increase the mechanical
strength) makes it possible to obtain complex
assemblies capable of replacingmetal fasteners
in a vehicle, with a weight saving about 50%.
These research areas, which are priorities for the
LISI AUTOMOTIVE central laboratory, focusmore
specifically on the optimization of polymer /metal
adhesion; the problems of corrosion of metal
fasteners for assembling composites / carbon
fibers; the stress behavior of steel and polymer
assemblies loaded with glass and carbon fibers.
GAINS / BENEFITS
Weight gain
Maintenance or improvement of mechanical
properties
31
INNOVATION