Medical devices are very important in countries with aging populations. In addition to demography, the growth of the industry is due to increased healthcare costs and technological developments. Medical device manufacturing includes orthopedics, cardiovascular devices, surgical instruments and robots, and dentistry. Component parts are produced by technologies such as machining, grinding, polishing, micro machining and surface treatment.
MEDICAL DEVICES
Medical devices improve surgical results with advanced technologies and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The United States is the world’s largest medical device market, representing 40% of the global market in 2017. As the healthcare market grows, manufacturers continually strive to improve product features, customer service, and business models. However, they have to advance technologically while reducing cost.
It is the world’s largest medical device market, representing 40% of the global market in 2017.
PRECISION MEDICAL HANDLING
Precision medical processing is both a job and a definition. It includes the processing of medical parts with absolute precision and accuracy. CNC (computer numerical control) machines produce the highly complex parts required for the production of medical devices. They tackle routine operations such as drilling, turning, milling, drilling and knurling, as well as special operations such as broaching, deep hole drilling, hobbing, threading and grooving without multiple setups. The most advanced machines available have 11 axes, automatic bar loading and CNC control. CNC machines can manufacture sophisticated surgical instruments, small screws, and everything in between. Medically machined parts for the most complex devices require tight tolerances. There is pressure to make these parts smaller and smaller, which means manufacturers need to be aware of developments such as miniaturization and microprocessing. Multi-tool and multi-axis machines such as CNC Swiss Turning Centers improve the production of medical parts with shorter cycle times because all features are produced on one machine.
Components machined for medical devices are highly complex, complex parts critical to the safe operation of the unit. It takes skill to design and manufacture component parts that enable advances in medical device technology. Medical devices include parts such as surgical needles, retainers, screws, and lock plates. It is important for the device manufacturer to consult with component part suppliers early in the development phase. Medical component specialists are experts in high precision machined parts and can determine when the required tolerances are narrower. They can also work to design manufacturing processes that will save the OEM both time and money.
