New Zealand-based orthopaedic surgical instrument manufacturer Enztec has achieved a 16% average reduction in CNC cycle times after implementing Vericut Force, unlocking more than 1800 hours of additional annual machining capacity without investing in additional machines or labour.
Producing high-precision reusable and single-use orthopaedic instruments for global medical-device companies, Enztec operates in a tightly regulated sector where machining accuracy, surface finish and dimensional repeatability directly influence product performance and patient safety. As the company expanded its use of advanced CNC machining, automation and unattended operation, it identified a growing need for greater predictability in machining performance and tool behaviour.
To address this challenge, Enztec integrated Vericut Force into its programming and verification workflow. Unlike traditional CAM systems that rely largely on assumed cutting conditions, the software simulates the real physics of the machining process using actual tool geometry, material properties and machining parameters. It dynamically adjusts feed rates to maintain consistent cutting forces and chip thickness, increasing feed rates where engagement is low and reducing them where loads rise.
The result has been faster, more stable and significantly more predictable machining performance, particularly during lights-out operation.
Jack Greaves, process improvement engineer at Enztec, says support from local reseller AxsysCNC Ltd helped accelerate implementation and optimise machine models for real production conditions.
Over a 12-month period, the improvements translated into more than 1800 hours of additional machining capacity, while also delivering more consistent tool wear and reducing the risk of unexpected failures during unattended machining. Enztec has now established force-based optimisation as a core part of its CNC programming strategy.
More information www.vericut.com
