In the field of automated infusion, precision is the essence. A V3 Infusion Needle, with the precise thread fit of its hexagonal base, the consistency of the position and size of the two holes at the needle tip, directly determines the accuracy of the infusion volume, the reliability of the seal, and the stability of production. The core equipment that Manners Technology uses to achieve this micrometer-level precision is the Citizen Cincom L12-1M7 sliding headstock lathe from Japan. This "king of machines," specifically designed for small precision parts, is the cornerstone for the high-precision and high-efficiency batch production of V3 infusion needles.

Precision Challenge: The Geometric Complexity of V3 Infusion Needle

The structure of the V3 infusion needle incorporates multiple precise geometric features:

• Full-threaded hexagonal base: The base needs to be machined to have precise threads in accordance with the ASME B1.21M standard to ensure a secure and slip-free connection with the injection robot's drive head. The hexagonal design is used to transfer torque and prevent slippage. The symmetry and dimensional consistency of each surface are of crucial importance.
• Double-hole needle tip structure: The end of the needle tip needs to be formed with two symmetrical and precisely sized micro-holes for liquid injection. The diameters, positions, and concentricity of these two holes relative to the needle axis directly affect the shape and direction of the liquid jet.
• Strict overall tolerance: The product specifications require an overall size tolerance of ±0.01mm, an angle tolerance of ±0.1°, and a surface roughness of Ra < 0.4μm. Achieving such precision on parts at the millimeter level is equivalent to engraving on a hair strand.

Key Advantage: The Technical Strengths of Citizen Cincom L12-1M7

The Citizen Cincom L12-1M7 is a fully integrated CNC lathe, specifically designed to complete all the turning processes of complex small parts in a single operation. Its "slide headstock" structure enables the main spindle box to move, in conjunction with the back spindle and multiple power tools, achieving true "one setup, complete the entire process."

• Ultra-high rigidity and thermal stability: The machine bed and structure have been optimized, ensuring extremely low vibration and thermal deformation even under high-speed cutting. This is the physical basis for maintaining stable processing accuracy over the long term.
• Outstanding dynamic accuracy: Linear and rotary axes use high-precision servo motors and encoder feedback to ensure the positioning accuracy and repeatability of the tool path reach the micron level.
• Powerful multi-axis linkage and power tools: In addition to the main spindle (C-axis) and back spindle, radial and axial power tools (such as milling cutters, drills) are also equipped. This enables it to complete all processes such as turning the outer circle, milling hexagons, tapping threads, and drilling (needle tip pre-drilling) in one setup, eliminating the cumulative errors caused by multiple setups.

Manufacturing Process: A Journey of Precision in a Single Setup

On Manners' production line, a 304 stainless steel rod underwent a meticulous "transformation process" on the Citizen L12-1M7:

• Rod material feeding and initial processing: The rod material is fed from the side of the main shaft. It undergoes external cylindrical turning first to form the approximate outline of the base.
• Hexagonal shaping: The radial power tool of the machine tool is activated. Through precise milling, a high-precision hexagonal shape is machined on the base. The C-axis (main shaft rotation) and X-axis (tool radial movement) of the machine tool are precisely linked to ensure that the dimensions, angles, and symmetry of the six surfaces are completely consistent.
• Thread processing: Using a single-point thread turning tool or thread milling tool, a full thread is machined on the hexagonal base. The synchronization accuracy of the machine tool ensures the accuracy of the thread pitch and tooth profile angle, making it fully compliant with ASME standards.
• Cutting and backside processing: After the main spindle completes most of the processing, the back spindle extends out, grabs the part, and cuts it off from the rod material. Subsequently, the back spindle drives the part to rotate and performs backside processing such as chamfering the tip, drilling (preparing for the subsequent forging of double holes), and other operations.
• Online detection and compensation: The high-end L12-1M7 configuration can integrate an online measurement probe. During the processing, it detects key dimensions in real time and feeds the data back to the numerical control system for automatic tool compensation, achieving a closed-loop control of "processing - measurement - compensation" to ensure consistency in mass production.

Synergistic Effect: Seamless Integration with Subsequent Processes

The hexagonal base processed by Citizen L12-1M7 has an extremely high precision, which lays a perfect foundation for the subsequent processes:

• Matching with the forged needle tip: The size and positional accuracy of the center hole in the base ensure that the needle tip component formed through two-mold rotary forging can be precisely aligned during laser welding, guaranteeing the coaxiality of the final product.
• Compatibility with automatic assembly: The high-precision threads and hexagon dimensions enable the V3 injection needle to be quickly and accurately grasped and screwed into the injection robot by automated equipment, achieving full automation of the production line assembly and reducing manual intervention and errors.

Conclusion

Manners Technology chose the Citizen Cincom L12-1M7, not merely purchasing a high-end device, but introducing a systematic solution that guarantees micrometer-level accuracy. This machine integrates complex multi-processes into a single setup, fundamentally eliminating the error of reference transformation and pushing the processing accuracy and consistency of the core component of the V3 infusion needle - the hexagonal threaded base - to the extreme. It represents the evolution from discrete manufacturing to precise integrated manufacturing and is the key guarantee for Manners to produce V3 Infusion Needles that meet the strict requirements of automatic infusion in large batches with industrial-level reliability and economy. During the birth of this needle, accuracy was not detected but was "carved" into the genetic code of each product by this precise machine.