From Machine Design to Production Architecture
DMG MORI is focusing on production turning concepts for the medical technology industry. The emphasis is on integrated manufacturing solutions that combine turning technology, counter-spindle machining, powered tools, Y-axes, automation, and process data into stable production architectures. In doing so, DMG MORI addresses key requirements of medical series production: high precision, reproducible quality and reduced manual intervention.
This approach is aimed at CNC manufacturers who need to produce medical components such as screws, dental implants, instrument components, or device parts in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Increasing product variety, cost pressures, and the need for skilled workers are driving the need to reevaluate small-batch production chains involving multiple machines, manual setup changes, and a high proportion of manual handling. Production turning is thus evolving into a platform for streamlined, automatable, and certifiable series production processes.
Production Turning as an Integrated Process Platform
DMG MORI defines “production turning” as a portfolio of horizontal turning platforms for the productive, complete machining of rotationally symmetric and complex components. Depending on the application, machines equipped with a main spindle, counter spindle, multiple tool carriers, powered tools, a Y-axis, and bar-feeding capabilities are used. Multiple machining steps can be performed in parallel, non-productive time can be reduced, and components can be processed in a largely continuous process from raw material to the finished workpiece.
For medical applications, DMG MORI combines this machine architecture with industry-specific process design. These include SPRINT long-turn automatic lathes and compact production lathes for bar-fed small parts such as screws and dental implants, MULTISPRINT concepts for high-productivity variant production, NZ and NZX platforms for more complex instrument components, and turning-milling solutions for precision device components.
Wide Range of Applications, from Screws to Equipment Components
For medical applications, DMG MORI applies production turning to various component families. For bar-fed small parts such as bone screws or dental implants, SPRINT long-turn automatic lathes and MULTISPRINT concepts take center stage. They support productive bar-fed machining, reduce reclamping and handling steps, and create stable conditions for repeatable series production processes.
For more complex instrument components such as handles, hinged parts, connecting elements, or plug-in profiles, the NZ platform, NZX series, and SPRINT turret machines offer additional options for parallel and complete machining. Main and counter spindles, multiple turrets, Y-axes, and powered tools enable front- and back-side machining, cross holes, contours, and flat surfaces in a single integrated process. This helps shorten cycle times, reduce internal handling steps, and better control geometric relationships.
Even rotationally symmetric device components with additional milled sections can be cost-effectively manufactured on suitable production turning platforms. These include shafts, housings, coupling elements, and components for medical drive and handling systems. The integration of turning and milling operations enhances concentricity, dimensional accuracy, and verifiable machining conditions. Process, tool, and workpiece data can be utilized for traceability, quality assessment, and audit-ready documentation.
From Machine Concept to a Qualifiable Production Process
DMG MORI supports users in the medical technology sector, from selecting suitable turn-mill machines through automation and peripheral equipment to designing qualifiable series production processes. This includes greenfield and brownfield consulting, production planning, technology design, process development, commissioning, and service during ongoing production operations. Through Medical Excellence Centers, DMG MORI brings together machines, application expertise, automation, digitization, and process expertise for medical technology applications. This shifts the focus from individual machine concepts to integrated production architecture.
Comprehensive product portfolio for customized manufacturing solutions
The design of manufacturing solutions for medical technology applications goes far beyond production turning and the associated components. The Medical Excellence Centers draw on a broad portfolio of machines to design application-specific solutions for cost-effective production. The best example of this is the machining of complex implants and orthopedic instruments on the NTX 500. This compact turn-mill center enables efficient, quality-oriented 6-side complete machining. Integrated robotic automation (IMTR) further increases productivity as needed.
Production Turning as a Solution to Medical Technology Requirements
Process integration, automation, and Digital Transformation (DX) work together in a coordinated manner to provide a concrete solution to the industry’s key challenges. In doing so, DMG MORI is paving the way for a new definition of production turning in the medical sector: for less fragmented workflows and greater productivity and transparency in both products and processes.
