Conmed Connector

Problem/Challenge Fast Delivery
Miniature precision parts have long posed a problem to customers with short delivery requirements. The demanding tolerances and small feature size have meant CNC and EDM were the tool building options of choice. Conmed, a leader in patent monitoring systems needed injection molded parts for its new Connector design in less than two weeks and was looking for a solution other than CNC and EDM.

Solutions/Results Rapid Tooling
General Pattern’s 24/7 operation and our hybrid tooling construction (Laser Sintering and High Speed milling) was used to produce a tool in 12 days that met critical dimensions of +/-.001 on features as small as .015 wide. 24/7 injection molding and a three hour guaranteed sampling program allowed General Pattern to produce 50 polycarbonate parts 2 days ahead of the promised delivery date.

Benefit/Impact FDA Testing
With parts in hand, Conmed was able to complete its assembly and maintain its scheduled delivery to the FDA for product testing and subsequent approval. Failure to meet this milestone could have lead to a 6 month delay in Conmed’s new product release.

Commercial
Tool Price $5,300
Unit Price $1.25 each (polycarbonate)
Performance 12 Days