Case Study: Enztec
Instrumental globally
Enztec is known worldwide as a supplier of innovative orthopaedic instruments for the world's best implant companies. Designing and manufacturing quality hip, knee and spine instruments.
Opportunity:
In 2022 medical procedures globally ramped up quickly, following a lull caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down all but the most critical surgical procedures over 2020/21.
Enztec needed to scale their production by outsourcing to a machine shop that matched their own 5 axis manufacturing capabilities and had a rigorous ISO:9001 quality management system (QMS).
“I met Sarah and Alex from United at an industry function in 2021, the topic was on the shortage of skilled machinists and developing apprentices. I was really impressed by United’s ability to attract and hold onto such a young and talented team,” explains Bruce Toughey, Operations Manager Enztec.
Outcome:
To start Enztec needed to audit United’s Quality Management System. Enztec’s quality manager was blown away with United’s digital documentation and how easily we could incorporate the separate batch codes, material references and PO numbers for full traceability digitally.
Having a visual and probe coordinate measuring machine capable of measuring tolerances of 3 micron was also a critical feature of United’s capability.
Following a successful first article inspection and production run of one surgical component, United’s suite of Enztec components has expanded rapidly to over a dozen.
“United’s quality is outstanding, their manufacturing process is also really clever and flexible across multiple machines – which gives us confidence that they’ve got the capacity to deliver on time with large orders or when we need to urgently ramp up production”, explains Bruce.
Alex Ramsay, United’s Chief Technical Officer explains the manufacturing process, “We have 3 different 5 axis machines capable of manufacturing our highest production Enztec component – including fully lights out for mass production. This avoids scheduling bottlenecks de-risking Enztec missing out on a schedule window when we’re doing particularly large runs, or when there is an urgent requirement we can put the job on any or all of them at once”.
The Markforged X7 printer has also featured in Enztec’s production, with Alex designing and 3D printing innovative fixtures to help hold components for finishing and inspection.
Final word
Perhaps the best final word on the Enztec and United manufacturing partnership comes from Cassie Longworth, Enztec’s Supply Chain Specialist, “United have provided us with a live link to current production on the shop floor and Sharyn* keeps in constant communication ahead of scheduled delivery regarding any issues, they make it super easy”.
*Sharyn Anderton, United Machinists Production Controller
Bruce Toughey, Operations Manager