Precision Fabrication Services for Custom Medical Devices and Metal Enclosures

Today’s state-of-the-art medical devices demand a contract manufacturer that can achieve absolute quality and consistency in sheet metal fabrication. Custom medical enclosures are often highly complex, requiring intricate CAD designs that specify a multitude of precision-machined features with tight tolerances.

Case in point: J&E’s medical fabrication projects generally specify close tolerances as tight as ± 0.005″, while simultaneously requiring perfect repeatability from one component to the next. At the same time, our company is able to offer highly efficient just-in-time manufacturing services and Kanban logistical systems to streamline your supply chain.

Custom Fabricated Medical Enclosures – Cold Rolled Steel

As a prime example of J&E’s precision sheet metal fabrication services for medical devices, our company was contracted to manufacture the cold rolled steel enclosures pictured below.

These custom medical enclosures were fabricated in-house according to a set of close-tolerance dimensions specified in the customer’s supplied CAD drawings. The fully finished assemblies were 18” wide and 26” long with a 24” depth, weighing approximately 75 lbs. There was also a requirement to comply with customer specific and ISO standards.

The initial fabrication of multiple parts was carried out using a combination of laser and saw cut steel that was formed with a brake press and hydraulic press while maintaining a tolerance of ±0.005”. MIG/TIG and spot welding processes were then used to connect all the various pieces together and to provide the necessary structural integrity with corners ground to a cosmetic smooth finish. Machined parts were also attached to the unit at this point. The fabricated unit was then zinc plated in the internal areas and finally powder coated on the external surfaces to provide a tough, durable finish.

The steel medical enclosure was inspected both dimensionally and visually to ensure that it met all customer requirements.

Streamlined Logistics and Supply Chain Management via Kanban

A Kanban system was utilized to control the logistical chain from the supplier to the customer to successfully deliver units over a 4-6 week period on a Just In Time basis to the customer in Minneapolis, MN.

This project displays the overall capabilities of J&E combining metal fabrication, the manufacture of machined items, welding expertise, grinding and refinishing of welded corners, complicated masking applications, zinc plating, powder coating, custom packaging, and delivery to complete the unit. To learn more about this product, or the processes used to manufacture it, see the table below or contact J&E directly.

Highlights and Specifications of J&E’s Cold Rolled Steel Medical Enclosure

• Contract Manufacturing Services Utilized – Primary: Fabrication Laser Cutting Press Brake Forming Saw Cutting Welding Assembly Secondary: Plating Powder Coating

• Manufacturing Equipment Used – Laser, Turret, Press Brake, MIG/TIG Welders, Haeger Hydraulic Press, Timesaver, Saw, Spot Welder

• Overall Part Dimensions Length – 26″ Width: 18″ Depth: 24″ Estimated Weight: 75lbs.

• Close-Tolerance Requirements – ± 0.005″

• Manufacturing Material – Cold Rolled Steel

• Metal Finish – Zinc Plated & Powder Coated

• Logistical Management – Kanban Program

• Production Time / Turnaround – 4 to 6 Weeks

• Delivery Location – Minneapolis, MN

• Standards Met – Customer Specifications, 2D CAD Drawing, ISO Standards