When it comes to machining Parts for surgical implants, orthotic devices, and medical instruments of all sorts, failure of parts is not an option. Medical machining takes CNC applications to an entirely different level. Challenges often faced result from having to machine parts that are tiny in scale. Another term used is micro-machining. The term refers to the machining of orthotic devices, surgical implants, and medical instruments. Precise machining is required for the following:
- Titanium – The material is frequently used because the body does not react to it.
- Plastics – The material is frequently machined because it has an endless array of applications.
- Custom Machining – The fact remains that some medical components are machined to tailor-made specifications as required for a particular patient.
- Small Part Batches – Medical devices can be quickly developed and refined. This makes it beneficial for medical machining shops to provide certain prototype parts in bulk.
To maintain strong relationships with the medical industry, machine shops must be able to provide top-of-the line prototype parts for medical customers that require such work. The machining done for medical purposes is provided, almost exclusively, by outsourced machining.
Prototyping
Quite often, there is a need to provide full drawings and rapid responses to specifications sent by a medical source. A talented engineering shop can work from the client’s drawing, or devise one completely from scratch. The product is then machined to give the client an actual look and feel for the component. Development costs and time-to-market can be controlled by an effective engineering shop.
Fabrication
Progressive engineering shops also approach the fabrication process with extreme care and creativity. This can result in final products that are of the highest value and quality.
When the medical industry looks for a partnership with an engineering firm that can supply precision medical parts, experience is a key factor in the hiring decision. Talent at every level of the machine shop is also critical, and takes into consideration the skills of engineers, designers, fabricators, welders and assembly technicians. The medical industry’s ability to deliver such high caliber services are a direct result of superb shop engineering.