How CNC Machined Parts Can Be Used In The Medical Industry

by admin | Jul 9, 2020 | CNC Machined Parts, Medical Industry

Right now, coronavirus is affecting almost everyone, on every scale. The medical industry is under a lot of pressure and this has led to an increase in the production of medical CNC machined parts. Lots of lives are dependent on the medical industry and to keep them working 24×7, they need high-quality machined parts for the medical equipment. Producing CNC machined parts for medical equipment need accuracy.

We at Machining Design Associated know the value of human life and how difficult it can be for a doctor if they don’t have the proper equipment.

How our CNC machined parts are helpful in the medical industry?

Ideal for surgical equipment

Surgery needs precise medical equipment, and the surgical process is all about attention to detail, a simple miss here and there can lead to complications. CNC machined parts provide the needed precision in surgical medical instruments. The machined parts are also used in devices for cardiac ailments, like pacemakers. The 5-axis machined parts can be used in orthopedic surgery which is a minimally invasive surgery. We know the recent demands of the medical industry and able to create custom machined parts too.

“We at MDA are looking to provide the healthcare frontline workers with the precision machined parts. Our machinists work round the clock to produce medical machined parts.”

CNC machined parts for the laboratory

In a laboratory, it needs accuracy and our machine experts at MDA know this and produce the medical machined equipment accordingly. And the lab technicians can also rely on us for all kinds of devices and medical parts that include equipment used for DNA analysis.

Machined parts for radiology equipment parts

For radiology, the medical team has to rely on manufactured equipment that makes the medical process easier. In cases of fractures, there is equipment that is used during real-time, so the components need to work constantly. The machines need to be durable as they are moved from one place to another. Special radiology instruments that require precision which is guaranteed by MDA.

“Our machine experts are able to produce these parts according to the need of the specifications of the medical industry.”

Materials We Work With

At MDA, we work with the following materials:

● Stainless Steel: This is used extensively in the medical industry. Stainless steel tops the list because of the hygiene benefits. They have corrosion resistance and also durability which is required in the medical industry.

● Titanium: Titanium is useful for building implants because it’s biocompatible. The material also possesses important properties like elasticity, strength, corrosion resistance, flexibility, etc. And we provide CNC machining for medical-grade titanium alloys.

● Plastics: There are various types of plastics that are used in the medical industry. The plastic polymers are easier to process and are robust. Plastic parts are affordable and there is less friction while using them.

Highlights of MDA CNC Machining Services for the Medical Industry

● Machine Design Association Limited can manufacture complex medical machine parts with ease. Manufacturing these machined parts needs high precision and sophisticated machining to create high-tolerances, needed to produce these parts.

● We, at MDA, keep these things in mind and our knowledgeable machinists are proficient at delivering quality components that meet the expectations of our clients.

● At MDA, we offer a wide array of medical components for all surgical instruments and other medical parts. Furthermore, these require highly skilled operators and quality machines

● Our trained professionals keep transparency during the entire process; we also have a dedicated support team that communicates with the client from start to finish.

You can contact us for more details about our CNC machining services for the medical industry. Alternatively, you can request a quote for medical CNC machining.

Benefits of Custom Machined Parts for Business Success

by admin | Jan 22, 2020 | CNC Machined Parts, CNC Machining, Custom Machined Parts

Custom machined parts are manufactured through the process of machining. Machining is a manufacturing process that involves the processing of a work-piece into a part of the desired shape and size by removing material through the use of machine tools. Work-pieces that are machined are made up of materials such as metals, plastics, rubbers, etc. In this blog, we’ll cover the benefits of custom machined parts.

Metal machined parts provide a common example of a machining process. Making plastic machined parts is a very different process than metal machining. For machinists, working with different materials means facing different challenges, which requires the selection of different tools, parameters and techniques.

To get high-quality machined parts, a business can take the services of a CNC machine shop that has vast experience in machining. Custom machined parts offer many benefits such as –

Client’s Requirements Are Fully Met

Customized parts made through the process of machining fully meet the requirements of a business. They are manufactured according to the exact specifications given by a client to a machine shop. An expert machine shop can easily manufacture custom parts having complex shapes.

Extreme Accuracy

Machined parts manufactured using CNC technology are highly accurate in size and shape. All CNC machined parts are highly reliable because of the three characteristics of machining accuracy inherent in CNC technology. These are extreme dimensional, positional and shape accuracy.

Machinists make sure that the machining tolerance is within the allowable range and the highest level of precision is obtained. Tolerance is defined as the acceptable range of a dimension of a part determined by the engineers. The geometry of a part and the type of material that the part is made up of greatly affect tolerance.

Targeting a tighter tolerance can lead to additional costs due to greater production of scrap, additional fixtures, and the use of advanced measurement tools. To minimize this cost, machinists apply tight tolerances only to critical areas. By making use of CNC machines, tight tolerances can be easily obtained. High machining accuracy and highly-skilled machinists help in creating precisely machined parts that fully serve the desired purpose.

Save Time In Getting Obsolete And Unique Parts

By getting parts that have been machined according to their exact requirements, businesses are saved from wasting time in finding ready-made parts that are not being currently manufactured and are even the old stock is not available.
Businesses may also require customized parts when they have to complete a project with quick turn-around time. When the time is less, it is easier to get custom parts than to search for required parts in the market.

It may also be the case that a business may require some unique parts for certain projects that are not available in the manufacturers’ catalogs. If a business lacks resources, which are unique parts in this case, to carry out these special projects, its clients will turn to its competitor and will probably not return back even in the distant future.

In this case, also, custom parts come to the rescue. By getting custom parts, a business can go ahead and grab these special projects, and earn clients for life. For any project, when parts are available to businesses in time, their business schedule is not delayed. They can readily put these parts to work.

Get Identical Parts Easily

If more custom parts are required by a business, a CNC machine shop can readily provide them. This is because the design is stored on a computer. New parts that are manufactured are identical to the previous batch of parts. This is quite beneficial for manufacturing businesses, for example, if some of the machines of a manufacturer have stopped working and require steel parts to function again, then the custom steel parts that are identical to the previously used steel parts can be readily obtained.

Difficult-to-Process Materials Can Be Used

Some materials cannot be machined easily. For example, plastic, bronze, stainless steel, etc. require sophisticated CNC machining equipment. These materials cannot be just run through standard equipment and processes to get the desired results.
To get machined parts made of these materials, a business can contact an expert custom machine shop that uses specialized equipment to work on difficult-to-process materials.

Custom Parts Can Be Made From Existing Parts

A business may be having a large number of parts that it thinks are of no use. These parts can be modified and customized to bring them into some other use. For example, the parts of discarded machines can be altered and put to use in other machines that need those parts. This saves a lot of time and money for a business.

Streamlined Production

When a business has a tie-up with the manufacturer of custom parts, it does not have to rely on suppliers of ready-made parts. Custom parts are available whenever they are required. So, the production process of business works in a streamlined way as it does not suffer because of the unavailability of parts. With an efficient production process, a business gets the benefit of faster turn-around time.

Moreover, if in case, a business wants some last-minute changes in the parts, these changes can be easily incorporated in the custom parts by a machine shop.

Wide Application

CNC machined parts find use in a large number of industries including automotive, robotics, oil and gas, defense, mining, medical, electronics, etc. As these parts entail extreme accuracy, they are used in highly sensitive fields like defense, aerospace and aeronautics.

It becomes clear from the above discussion that there are plenty of benefits of custom machined parts to businesses. When businesses get parts that fully meet their specifications and are highly accurate, their production process becomes more efficient and they achieve a competitive edge.

Materials 101: Entrepreneur’s guide to selecting the Right CNC Machining Material

by admin | Jul 24, 2018 | CNC Machining, CNC Machining Guides

Right materials make the best applications.

Material selection is a crucial step to get your CNC project right. Think of it as assembling a Subway meal based on your diet plan; you add meats if your diet chart asks for more protein, and greens for a vitamin fulfill. Similarly, selected materials must cover your design prerequisites— hardness, rigidity, thermal stability, and chemical resistance just to name a few. And your budget as well, of course.

Material characteristics are especially important when you require high precision CNC machined parts with complex designs. For instance: amorphous materials like metallic glass and polymers generally hold tighter tolerances than, say, aluminum.

In the following article, we will elaborate more on material types, their characteristics, tips and guidelines on choosing the right materials, and more. Let’s start with the basic: the material selection process.

CNC Materials Selection Process
If you’ve decided to jump the CNC machining wagon, have a valid prototype handy and your budget figured out, it’s time to select the best suitable materials for your project. The basic three steps to material selection are:

Step 1. Define your material requirements: Based on your design, make a high-level list of material prerequisites. Do you need a malleability? Or perhaps a sturdier material? Laser polishing for a surface finish? Consider all the mechanical, physical, environmental, and budget factors.

Step 2. Pin down qualified materials: Identify potential candidates that fulfill your material requirements. Notice, we’re are focusing on ‘candidates’ not ‘candidate’. There’s a solid reason behind it. Have a look:

Here’s what Ronald E. Giachetti, of National Institute of Standards and Technology, wrote in his paper on Manufacturing Process and Material Selection During Conceptual Design:

“The material and manufacturing process selection is performed early in the product development process. At this stage, it is inappropriate to select a single material or process without evaluating all the alternatives. The selection of sets of possible candidate materials and processes allow for greater flexibility in the product development process. The more alternatives, the greater the manufacturing flexibility.”

Hack: Make sure you approach readily available materials— it’ll help cut costs and efforts.

Step 3. Now, select the most appropriate material: The third step is the final showdown: choosing the material with maximum functionality in minimum costs. Or, the materials that check most on your prerequisites list.

In the next section, we will talk about the most popular materials and their properties.

CNC Material Selection- Guidelines

Metals
Most common metals in the CNC machining universe are:

1. Aluminum
Most popular of the bunch; used for both mechanical and aspect components.
(a) Physical properties:
● Medium physical strength (<500 MPa) (Note: Aluminium 7075 is one of the strongest metals at >500 MPa; but it’s a bit pricey)
● Corrosion resistance
● Temperature resistance (<400°C)
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability. Can be machined quicker than other metals
● Readily available; inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive ( gears and shafts etc.)
● Aerospace (aircraft fittings etc.)
● Healthcare (medical equipment)
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings)

2. Cold Rolled Steel
(a) Physical properties:
● High physical strength (Increases the strength of the finished product by 20%)
● Provides perfect precision as it creates smaller products
● Can handle tighter tolerances
(b) Mechanical properties:
● Medium machinability.
● Moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Manufacturing (Machinery parts)
● Aerospace (aircraft fittings etc.)
● Construction
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings, Jigs & fixtures)

3. Stainless Steel
(a) Physical properties:
● Hardness
● Chemical resistance
● High strength (>500 MPa)
● Temperature resistance ( Very high >500°C)
● Corrosion resistance
(b) Mechanical properties:
● Good machinability
● Inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive
● Aerospace (aircraft fittings etc.)
● Healthcare (surgical equipment)
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings)
● Food Industry
● Marine applications
● Chemical Processing
● Marine applications

4. Brass
Used for high volume applications.
(a) Physical properties:
● Medium strength
● Natural Corrosion resistance
● Low-Temperature resistance (<250°C)
● High tensile strength
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability.
● Readily available; moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive ( mechanical parts, valves & nozzles)
● Architecture
● Healthcare (medical equipment
● Consumer goods
● Electrical hardware

Exotic alloys

1. Inconel
(a) Physical properties:
● Temperature resistance
● Corrosion resistance
● Medium strength
(b) Mechanical properties:
● Moderate machinability
● Moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive
● Aerospace
● Healthcare
● Consumer electronics

2. Copper
(a) Physical properties:
● Highest electric conductivity
● High corrosion resistance
● Thermal conductivity
● Low chemical resistance (especially to acids, halogens sulphides, and ammonia solutions)
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability. Can be machined quicker than other metals
● Readily available; moderately expensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive (cooling systems and heat exchanger, valves and radiators etc)
● Aerospace Healthcare (medical equipment)
● Consumer electronics (electronic housings)

Outside of this wide range of metal materials, it’s also possible to use plastics, wood, and even fiberglass and foams with CNC machining technology.

Plastics

1. PVC
(a) Physical properties:
● High strength
● Corrosion resistance
● Temperature resistance
● Chemical resistance
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability
● Readily available; inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive
● Aerospace
● Healthcare
● Consumer electronics
● Food Industry
● Chemical

2. Nylon
(a) Physical properties:
● High physical strength
● Good impact strength
● High corrosion and abrasion strength
(b) Mechanical properties:
● High machinability. Can be machined quicker than other metals
● Readily available; inexpensive
(c) Industries:
● Automotive (insulators, bearings)
● Aerospace
● Healthcare
● Consumer electronics

Now that you know about different materials, you can select the ones that best suit your CNC project. We, at Machining Design Associated Ltd., offer exceptional CNC machining parts with desired tolerances. Get in touch to know more!

Ways to Ensure Surface Finish for CNC Machined Parts

by Norm Grimberg | Jul 12, 2017 | CNC Machined Parts

There are several things we need to keep in mind in order to get a perfect CNC machined parts. Some of these major pointers come before we begin manufacturing them, like correct dimensions and tolerances, shape, quality of the raw materials used etc. But there is something that needs to be worked on after the machined part is produced.

Surface Finish: A process that helps define and refine the overall texture (lay, roughness, and waviness) of the machined part. We just cannot ignore the importance of an impeccable surface finish.

How to ensure the steps we are adopting will get a better surface finish? We understand your dilemma. Hence, we have created a checklist of major surface finish dos and don’ts that will help you make your CNC machined parts better. Check them out!

Do’s

1. Understand How Surface Finish Will Be Measured

There is nothing better than knowing the surface you are supposed to work upon. There are several techniques and characteristics that we measure with respect to surface finish, including profiling, area, and microscopy that majorly focus on roughness peaks (Ra) and their separation (D). We need to understand which technique fits in the best and will give us desired results without taking much of our efforts and time.

2. Stick to Right Feeds and Speeds (Increase the speed & reduce the feeds)

Guesswork is fine but an absolute no-no when it comes to choosing the speed and feed for a finishing work. Make sure you always stick to the pre-defined and proper feeds and speed while working with your valuable machined parts. We don’t want things to go wrong, right?

The correct way to handle your finishing machining is to increase the Surface Feet per Minute (SFM) and reduce the Inch per Revolution (IPR). The former helps reduce the Built-up Edge (BUE) that aids to a prolonged tool life, whereas the latter is to prolong insert life.

3. Use Chip Breakers

Controlling the chips is the key to get a good surface finish.The chips produced are very much responsible for hampering the entire machining process. They should be controlled before they make contact with the workpiece.

We recommend you use good chip breakers that may ease your efforts in cutting and re-cutting these troublesome chips. If you have been using one, it’s better you change their style as it’s, of course, not effective enough. Chip breakers reduce cutting pressures and assist easier evacuation of even the longer, string-like chips by reducing them into bits that are easier to fall in the cutting zone.

4. Minimize Deflection and Chatter, Keeping Tool Rigidity Up

For a good finish, you need to make sure your tool doesn’t deflect or chatter. This will create a very messy and chippy finish that we generally discard. Why waste your resources, money and time on something that won’t yield us anything? This brings us to the most important point- Make your tool effective and rigid!

5. Use Balanced Tooling to Reduce Vibration

It’s important to use a balanced tooling technique to reduce the apparent vibration during the finishing process. This step gets even more essential if your RPM is higher.

6. Use Sharp Inserts, Lead Angle, and a Positive Rake

It’s a no-brainer that we need sharper inserts, more lead angle, and a positive rake for a better surface finish.

7. Minimize Runout

A higher runout also paves way for a bad surface finish. It adds on to the improper functioning of the tool, making it spin in an eccentric path instead of the desired circle. You may switch tools with a better and lower run out, like an ER collet chuck for a setscrew-style end mill holder which is noticed to produce lower runout than the latter.

DON’T’S

8. Don’t Use the Same Tool For Roughing and Finishing

Learn to keep your roughing tool for roughing and finishing tool for finishing purposes. We might want to cut costs and use them for different processes but that might not deliver top-quality finishing.

Also, keep your tools sharp and up to the mark. Use two different sets of inserts, if you are working with an indexable tool like a face mill.

9. Avoid Dwells & Pauses

Unnecessary dwells and pauses are also a hindrance to a proper finishing work. Always remember, each time your tool stops while in contact with the lathe or workpiece, it’s going to leave a mark. Something we definitely don’t want.

If that’s happening too often, we would suggest you change the process altogether! Just do your best to ensure your tool doesn’t stop or hesitate during the entire cutting process. It is best for surface finish for CNC machined parts.

10. Avoid Cutting down the Centerline

The best way to ensure a proper cutting process is to follow a 70:30 ratio rather than going for a full on 50:50 method. Cutting down the middle is probably going to slap the insert along the edge of the material which may cause burns. This may lead to an improper surface finish.

All these tips and tricks are from our 50 years of experience in the field and ensure the best surface finish for CNC machined parts. It helped us, it might help you too. So, go ahead and adopt these practices so you get a perfect surface finish.

Selecting the Best Materials for Your Machining Job

by admin | Feb 1, 2017 | CNC Machining, Machine Shop

Selecting the right material for your machining job is crucial for the quality, efficiency, and cost of your project. With so many options, each with unique properties and applications, how do you choose the best one?

In this blog, we’ll guide you through key factors to consider when selecting materials for machining. Whether you’re working on aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or other precision projects, understanding material properties and their impact on machining is essential. Let’s explore how to make informed decisions for optimal results.

Understanding Material Properties

Choosing the right material for your machining job starts with understanding its key properties:

Mechanical Properties:

Strength: Ability to withstand force without breaking.
Hardness: Resistance to deformation and wear.
Toughness: Ability to absorb energy without fracturing.
Ductility: Ability to deform under tensile stress.

Thermal Properties:

Heat Resistance: Ability to withstand high temperatures.
Thermal Expansion: Degree of expansion when heated.
Thermal Conductivity: Efficiency in conducting heat.

Chemical Properties:

Corrosion Resistance: Ability to resist oxidation and chemical reactions.
Chemical Reactivity: Interaction with other substances.

Electrical Properties:

Conductivity: Efficiency in conducting electricity.
Insulation: Ability to resist electrical current.

Commonly Used Materials in Machining

When selecting materials for machining, metals are often the go-to choice due to their versatile properties. Here are some commonly used metals:

#1 Metals

Steel and Stainless Steel:

Steel: High strength and durability, versatile for various applications. At MDA, you’ll find precise CNC machines capable of producing CNC steel parts of the highest quality.
Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant, ideal for medical and food processing.

Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys:

Aluminum: Lightweight, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, used in aerospace and automotive. You can trust MDA to bring your projects to life with the utmost precision and efficiency in CNC aluminum machining.
Aluminum Alloys: Enhanced strength, used in structural applications.

Brass and Copper:

Brass: Easy to machine, corrosion-resistant, used in plumbing and decorative items.
Copper: Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, used in electrical components and heat exchangers.

Titanium and Titanium Alloys:

Titanium: High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant, used in aerospace and medical.
Titanium Alloys: Enhanced properties for high-performance applications.

#2 Plastics

Nylon:

Properties: Strong, lightweight, and wear-resistant. It has good mechanical properties and is known for its toughness.
Applications: Used in gears, bearings, and other components that require high strength and wear resistance.

Polycarbonate:

Properties: Highly durable, impact-resistant, and transparent. It can withstand high temperatures and has good electrical insulation properties.
Applications: Used in medical devices, automotive parts, and protective equipment like safety glasses and shields.

PTFE (Teflon):

Properties: Extremely low friction, high heat resistance, and excellent chemical resistance. It is non-stick and has a high melting point.
Applications: Used in gaskets, seals, and coatings for non-stick cookware, as well as in electrical insulation and chemical processing equipment.

PEEK:

Properties: High strength and stiffness, excellent chemical resistance, and can operate at high temperatures. It maintains its properties in harsh environments.
Applications: Used in aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance engineering applications where durability and resistance to extreme conditions are crucial.

#3 Composites

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers:

Properties: High strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, fatigue resistance.
Applications: Aerospace components, automotive parts, sporting goods.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers:

Properties: Strong, durable, impact-resistant.
Applications: Construction, marine, automotive, and consumer goods (e.g., boat hulls, car panels).

Application-Specific Material Selection

Choosing materials tailored to specific industries is crucial for optimizing performance and meeting stringent requirements:

#1 Aerospace Industry

Requirements: Emphasizes lightweight materials to enhance fuel efficiency and high-strength materials for structural integrity.
Example Materials: Carbon fiber composites, titanium alloys.

#2 Automotive Industry

Requirements: Focuses on durability to withstand harsh environments, cost-effectiveness for mass production, and lightweight materials for fuel efficiency.
Example Materials: Steel, aluminum alloys, and engineered plastics.

#3 Medical Industry

Requirements: Requires biocompatible materials to ensure compatibility with the human body, corrosion-resistant to withstand bodily fluids, and sterilization processes.
Example Materials: Stainless steel, titanium alloys, medical-grade plastics (e.g., PEEK).

#4 Electronics Industry

Requirements: Prioritizes materials with good electrical conductivity or insulation properties depending on the application.
Example Materials: Copper, aluminum, silicon, and various polymers.

Factors Influencing Material Choice

When choosing materials for machining, several critical factors must be considered:

#1 Machining Process Compatibility

Materials must align with specific machining methods like CNC, milling, or turning, impacting tool wear and efficiency.

# 2 Desired Surface Finish

Different materials yield varying surface qualities, influencing aesthetics and functionality of machined parts.

#3 Tolerance Requirements

Materials must meet precise dimensional specifications without compromising performance.

#4 Production Volume

Cost-effectiveness varies between high-volume and low-volume production runs.

#5 Environmental Factors

Material durability under diverse conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to elements is crucial.

Conclusion

Selecting the right material for your CNC machining job is crucial for achieving peak performance and efficiency. By considering factors like material properties, machining compatibility, and environmental conditions, you ensure your final product meets both functional requirements and quality standards.

Consulting with experts, using modern selection tools, and prototyping are key strategies in navigating material complexities. Stay updated with industry trends to leverage advancements effectively.

Ultimately, your material choice impacts project success, balancing technical specifications with production goals and budget constraints. With careful consideration, you can confidently choose the best material for your machining needs.