Perfection is not merely an aim but a requirement in the medical industry realm. Every component is crucial. Whether it be an insignificant screw or a complex implant, precision must be met to assure safety. It is also important for ensuring effectiveness. Further reliability is also a goal. That’s where CNC machining fits in.

As most of industries are leveraging CNC machining, the medical industry is no further behind. With the increasing need for more and more intricate components, traditional machining methods fail to meet the exact standards of the medical industry.

In this blog, we will look at how precision CNC machining is critical for medical devices.

Let’s begin.

What is CNC Machining & Importance of Precision in Medical Devices

We all know about CNC technology but if you are a newbie to this field. Here’s a brief definition:

CNC machining in the medical industry produces precise machined parts for doctors. Let’s understand this via an example, if a doctor needs a tiny shaped part to operate, this is where CNC machining comes in.

Now, coming to the benefits:

• High accuracy: CNC machining ensures that the machined parts are made to exact specifications which is necessary for medical devices.
• Repeatability: CNC machining is ideal for producing identical components with the same accuracy, which is essential for large-scale manufacturing.
• Complex geometries: CNC machining is capable of producing intricate designs that are not possible with traditional methods.

Key CNC Machining Techniques for Medical Devices

Milling:

Milling is one of the versatile CNC machining processes ideal for creating complex components by removing material from a workpiece using rotating cutting tools. Moreover, it is best used for producing custom surgical instruments and implantable devices for medical equipment.

Turning:

Turning is another CNC technique that uses a rotating workpiece while a cutting tool removes material to produce cylindrical components. Specifically, turning is best used for producing screws, pins, or tubular components that require tight tolerances.

Electrodischarge Machining (EDM):

EDM is a technique used to produce precise machined parts from hard materials that are difficult to machine with traditional methods. For instance, here are some examples of medical parts made with EDM: stents, surgical instrument components, orthopedic screws, micro-needles, and more.

Examples of CNC Machining Parts for Medical Devices

Surgical Instruments:

CNC machining is perfect for producing minimally invasive surgical instruments such as scalpel handles, forceps and scissors. These surgical instruments allow medical professionals to perform complex procedures with minimal scarring and faster patient recovery times.

Implants:

CNC machining is ideal for creating a wide range of implants, like orthopedic implants, dental implants and spinal implants. These components must be machined with exceptional precision as they need to be operated on a human body.

Diagnostic Equipment Components:

CNC machining is best for manufacturing components for diagnostic equipment. For instance, it includes housings for imaging machines such as CT scanners and MRIs, as well as parts for patient monitoring systems. These medical components need to meet strict precision standards, thereby ensuring that equipment functions reliably.

Prosthetics:

Custom prosthetic limbs are another area where CNC machining plays a vital role. These components must be tailored to the unique needs of each patient, requiring highly precise machining to ensure a perfect fit, comfort, and functionality. Furthermore, the precision of CNC machining allows for the creation of prosthetics that closely mimic the natural movement and appearance of the human body.

Materials We Work With

At MDA, we use the following materials to produce medical CNC machined components:

• Titanium

Why it’s used: Titanium is used to create medical machined parts as it is lightweight, strong and highly resistant to corrosion. Titanium is biocompatible making it safe to be used inside the human body.

• Stainless Steel

Why it’s used: Stainless steel is best known for its resistance to corrosion and durability, making it suitable for surgical instruments, implants, and other diagnostic equipment. Additionally, there’s one more reason why CNC machine shop owners prefer stainless steel for medical machined parts: it can withstand sterilization processes without degrading.

• Aluminum

Why it’s used: When talking about implants, aluminum is not the ideal material for it. But it has other uses such as medical equipment housings and components because of its lightweight nature and amazing machinability.

• Ceramics

Why it’s used: Ceramics like zirconia are used in dental implants and joint replacements for their hardness, biocompatibility and wear resistance.

Why Choose MDA for the Medical Industry?

• Precision and Quality

We at MDA specialize in CNC machining and focus on delivering high-precision components. In the medical industry, where accuracy is paramount, our commitment to precision ensures that every medical machined part meets stringent medical standards.

• Experience with Medical-Grade Materials

Our expert machinists have years of experience working with medical-grade materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and biocompatible polymers. In addition, we ensure that the materials used for medical components are durable and safe, adhering to the stringent standards of the medical industry.

• Advanced Machining Capabilities

Our CNC machine shop has state-of-the-art facilities and techniques such as milling, EDM, and turning, which allow us to produce highly specialized parts, like surgical instruments, with exceptional precision. Consequently, our advanced capabilities ensure the highest quality and accuracy in every component we manufacture.

• Reliable Turnaround Times

In the fast-paced medical industry, timely delivery is crucial. Therefore, we are known for our reliable turnaround times, ensuring that the components are manufactured and delivered on schedule, and keeping the projects on track.