How do you achieve a polished finish on a femoral ball using a turning centre?
By Paul Jones
That was the challenge being explored by Whitehouse Machine Tools at the SECO Inspiration Through Innovation event — showcasing just how far machining technology has advanced.
A Finish Without Polishing
At first glance, the femoral ball component on display appeared to have gone through a traditional polishing process. The surface finish was flawless — smooth, reflective, and consistent across the entire spherical form.
But in reality, this finish was achieved directly on the turning centre.
This eliminates the need for secondary operations, reducing handling, improving repeatability, and delivering a more efficient manufacturing process — particularly important in the medical sector.
The Machine Behind the Result
The process was carried out on a Biglia twin spindle, twin turret turning centre equipped with Y-axis capability.
This configuration enables:
- Full multi-axis machining in a single setup
- Simultaneous operations across multiple turrets
- Reduced cycle times
- High levels of accuracy and repeatability
The ability to complete the entire process in one cycle is key to achieving both precision and consistency.
Engineering Expertise in Action
Paul spent time with Harry, a new recruit at Whitehouse Machine Tools, who has played a significant role in developing this process.
It’s a strong example of how modern machining isn’t just about the machine — it’s about the people, the programming, and the application knowledge behind it.
Raising the Bar in Medical Manufacturing
Producing a femoral ball with a polished finish directly on a turning centre demonstrates how far CNC technology has come.
For manufacturers, it means:
- Fewer operations
- Greater consistency
- Reduced production time
- Improved part quality
And for industries like medical, where there is no margin for error, that’s a game changer.
Coming Soon on MTDCNC
🎥 A full breakdown of the process, machine setup, and insights from the team will be available soon on MTDCNC.
