Parts talk. The various NSK products are crafted from as many as 24,000 precision components. Until now their story has been largely unheard and NSK would like you to hear what these parts have to say. These gears, ball bearings, shafts and squadrons of small screws whisper to each other in perfect synchronisation inside all 6,500 NSK products, including their state-of-the-art handpieces*. Cut, polished and assembled to a precision of 1/1000 mm, these individual parts support the world-class ultra-high-speed and ultrasonic technologies that make NSK proud. With over 90 years of experience responding to the needs of clinicians, NSK has gained an unwavering trust while developing products based on the user viewpoint. And they will continue working with clinicians around the world to create new products of value for their professions. The small parts, covered with oil and shining like jewels, bespeak their precision. The key indicators presented here are the voices of these parts. And such indicators never lie. They are a true depiction of NSK.

* A “handpiece” is a piece of medical equipment mainly used in dental treatment for shaping teeth. In bone cutting equipment used in surgery and cerebral surgery, the part held by the surgeon is also called the “handpiece”.

Quality results from processes. This has been the NSK's policy since its foundation. Up to 30 processes may be necessary to create one complete component from a bar of raw material. The total number of machining processes required to create all parts of a single product is 930. This figure was arrived at through vast experience and knowledge accumulated over the years on a mission to deliver uniform quality. If the individual processes do not attain the degree of accuracy needed, the final product will not deliver the requisite high precision. First, the best computer-controlled lathes for primary processing from among 230 machines divided into 30 models are chosen. Production can then be initiated with special dedicated jigs and equipment for manufacturing parts. Part precision is further enhanced via a number of detailed processes using specialized testing equipment. Ensuring micron-scale accuracy is crucial. In pursuit of such accuracy, NSK's key strength lies in the ability to internally manage integrated production from the component stage. To ensure 100% quality, defective parts are never passed. Manufacturing is a constant battle to push the limits. And the state-of-the-art manufacturing pursued by NSK is a never-ending challenge.

NSK’s highest output power air turbine yet. Ti-Max Z Series’ revolutionary performance was achieved out of a passion for pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. How is air power used to generate a more powerful torque? This is achieved as air flow and rotor weight are maximized. State-of-the-art fluid analysis optimized turbine rotor shape, nozzle shape, and exhaust structure to convert air power into torque without any power loss. The conventional aluminium rotor was replaced with high density stainless steel permitting a 44 W power output (around 30% higher). The air turbine needs to switch from high speed rotation to a sudden stop and if the rotor is heavy, a quick stop will be difficult to achieve. In the Ti-Max Series, we overcame this issue by adding two brakes to stop the rotor. Ingenuity alone cannot produce a product. Technology alone cannot drive the creation of new products. NSK’s mix of intelligence and curiosity has led to such unprecedented power.

The power factor has been brought increasingly closer to 1. This is the ideal value for ultrasonic devices. The real power of the ultrasonic scaler and ultrasonic bone cutter can only be harnessed by integrating the cutting tool (tip), the handpiece (vibrating section) and the control engine. By striking this extraordinary balance, NSK succeeded in enhancing the power factor from a typical figure of 0.6 to a value close to 1. By harnessing power efficiently, NSK has achieved a high performance profile which is unique, without irregular vibration even during sustained use, and with a handpiece that performs well in terms of heat retention. In addition, the generator, the “heart” of ultrasonic devices, is covered by a 2-layer mould and is designed to withstand challenging environments and sterilization processes. This is unique in the world and patented by NSK. To bring stress-free treatment for both patients and clinicians. NSK creates exemplary products, unrivalled anywhere. The 30 thousand vibrations per second of the ultrasonic waves are testimony to the enthusiasm of NSK engineers.

“We should make what we need in this world with our own hands”. The various products in the NSK range are crafted from as many as 24,000 precision components. And at NSK, more than 90% of these components are produced in-house. A number of our major products are composed nearly 100% of parts manufactured in-house. This indicator perfectly symbolizes the NSK's passion for craftsmanship. The heavy reliance on internal manufacturing delivers a variety of benefits in product development. Firstly, it enables the accuracy of the finishing process to be measured. Since the accuracy of manu-factured components are included in the calculations, they can be written into the design. In addition, since the required parts can be manufactured from scratch, it allows more freedom when fabri-cating new products. This is clearly reflected in the innovation and originality of NSK products. In-house manufacturing also allows product quality to be closely managed, right up to the final stage. 100% quality cannot be achieved unless you start from scratch using your own hands. Herein lies the essence of NSK’s craftsmanship.

Humans use their senses as the final arbiter as to whether a tool is appropriate for use. Quality control at NSK does not involve sampling approach, instead all parts are checked at the final product stage. Some products epitomizes do not pass the inspection despite having cleared inspection standard metrics. An abnormal noise may be generated in perhaps 1 in 10,000 handpieces. It is the human ‘ear’, or the hearing of properly qualified inspectors that identifies the faintest abnormal noises. Noise produced by the handpiece is more stressful to the patient than the operator. To provide a higher quality of care, the ‘ear’ of this inspector, (‘sommelier of noise’) is essential. Even if a product in not defective, there is always a reason why a strange noise is generated. If the product shows even the slightest possibility of malfunctioning at some point, even when there is only a minor defect, we will not send it to the marketplace. A human-made tool, used by people and for people. This epitomizes our commitment to craftmanship.