Thomson Lamination Company, Inc. (TLC®) offers precision manufacturing solutions for the medical industry. Our manufacturing processes and laminations meet regulatory guidelines, and we only use top-quality materials and coatings to ensure the highest level of performance. Learn more about our capabilities, how steel laminations are used in medical tools and devices, and how TLC ensures the highest quality in everything we do.
Medical Lamination Solutions
We create medical-grade steel laminations, along with all necessary tooling and dies, that are used to build surgical power tools, instrumentation, and devices.
Ultra-Fine Tolerances for Surgical Tools
TLC specializes in manufacturing ultra-thin (as thin as 0.004 in.) laminations for neurosurgery tools and other compact medical devices, such as neurostimulators, orthopedic hand tools, and surgical drills. Advanced micromachining methods allow us to create intricate tooling and dies needed to manufacture these tiny tools used for minimally invasive procedures. We use precision machining and stamping techniques capable of holding extremely tight tolerances.
CNC and EDM Machining for Precision Parts
Our toolroom staff uses equipment including surface grinders, jig grinders, CNC lathes, CNC machining centers and wire EDM machines to build precision carbide stamping dies and tooling used in our lamination and lamination stack processes. Computer-controlled equipment guides tooling with great accuracy to ensure dies and other tools meet specifications. This accuracy transfers to the resulting quality and precision of each lamination.
Short-Run Prototyping to High-Volume Production
TLC supports manufacturers from product development through scalable manufacturing. We provide prototype manufacturing as well as low- and high-volume production.
Medical-Grade Materials and Specs
Medical laminations require materials with specific properties and characteristics. Learn about the materials we work with that are suitable for medical applications.
Non-Corrosive and Biocompatible Metals
The following materials offer exceptional biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and magnetic and electric properties for end-use performance:
- Cobalt Alloys
- Nickel Alloys
- Silicon Steel
- Thin-Gauge Electrical Steel
Magnetic Properties for Active Implants
Rotating components inside powered medical devices and surgical tools require magnetic shielding. Materials with magnetic properties can help prevent the potentially damaging effects of EMI on device performance.
Thin-Gauge Electrical Steel for Diagnostic Equipment
Thin-gauge electrical steel is used in monitoring systems, pulse generators, and other signal-based or imaging devices. Its high conductivity improves energy generation and limits energy loss within diagnostic equipment and other devices.
Assembly and Bonding for Fine Parts
During assembly, layers of electrical steel are stacked and secured together. Learn more about the process below.
Methods for Small Component Integration
Accurate alignment of layers is critical to motor performance and functionality of the completed medical device. TLC uses several methods to secure lamination stack assemblies, including:
- Bonding
- Riveting
- Staking
- Welding
These techniques ensure structural integrity and positioning of each layer in the laminated stack.
Epoxy and Fluidized Coating Applications
Medical-grade epoxies and protective coatings prevent wear and enhance the electrical insulation properties of laminated material and small metal parts made from it.
Low-Vibration and Noise Sensitive Assembly
TLC develops assembly processes and techniques that reduce noise and vibration in motors and finished products. Quiet, steady tools are crucial for sensitive surgical equipment.
Quality Standards and Traceability
At TLC, our entire team is committed to providing quality laminations and tooling that meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. We follow careful inspection and quality control processes throughout manufacturing.
Batch-Level Traceability and Material Certifications
TLC provides compliance declaration documentation and alloy heat lot certifications for batch-level traceability. This information is required for regulatory compliance and for identifying parts, finished devices, or materials post-manufacturing.
Visual and Automated Inspection Systems
Optical and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection tools verify part features, dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes. These advanced inspection measures help us detect any manufacturing errors or variations from specifications.
Supporting Innovation in Medical Device Manufacturing | TLC
Since 1964, Thomson Lamination Company, Inc. has provided customers with top-quality products and services to meet the high standards of medical device manufacturing. Our stamped medical motor laminations are used in many critical applications and niche markets that require close tolerances and flawless manufacturing.
We offer a comprehensive selection of lamination-related products along with technical support for both the mechanical and electrical specifications of new lamination designs. Contact us to learn more about TLC’s capabilities for the medical industry, or request a quote to get started today!