5 Advantages of CNC Machining for Medical Products and Parts
One of the most flexible traditional production techniques is CNC machining. There is so much possibility in terms of the kinds of components that may be manufactured, the materials from which they can be created, and the quantities produced—and that’s precisely why so many industries rely on it for production.
The healthcare industry is one where CNC machining plays a key role. Parts for medical devices can be manufactured extremely rapidly and cheaply using standard CNC milling and turning techniques and in almost limitless quantities. These advantages are obtained without compromising the quality or accuracy of any component manufactured.
Here are some advantages of utilizing CNC machining to manufacture medical products and parts:
Does Not Require the Use of Fixed Tooling
Production lead time may be extended by 3 to 4 weeks if a specialized mold tool, such as that used for plastic injection molding, is designed and machined in-house. This involves the creation of the mold, the approval of samples, and the optimization of the molding settings, among other things. In the case of more extensive orders, the additional manufacturing time and development costs are entirely acceptable.
However, CNC machining is difficult to match for its fast turnaround and low initial cost for short production runs or even single one-off components. Parts for the medical sector often need to be manufactured rapidly and in small numbers. CNC machining makes it possible to manufacture components without specialist tools, which reduces the amount of time spent on manufacturing. Even in the absence of tooling, CNC machines provide excellent quality and precision.
No Volume Limitations in Place
Once a digital CAD file has been created, it is possible to build a cutting program from that file in a relatively short period. After then, with the press of a button, this coding software may be used to create a single component or any number of parts with the most outstanding level of precision and accuracy possible. This capability is advantageous for creating bespoke components intended for a single-use or are one-of-a-kind, as is often the case with highly specialized medical devices, appliances, equipment, prostheses, and other surgical items. Many other procedures need a certain number of orders to be placed to obtain the raw materials required, which may render specific projects impractical. With CNC machining, there is no need for a minimum order.
Effective with a Wide Range of Materials
Conventional CNC machines can process most stiff materials commonly used in medical or surgical equipment, instruments, and end-use components, except for a few exotic materials. Materials such as stainless and mild steel, aluminum, titanium, and engineering-grade polymers such as PEEK are examples of these types of materials.
Creates Parts and Components in a Short Amount of Time
With CNC machining, the process of going from a computerized CAD file to a final product may be completed in a matter of hours, depending on the intricacy of the medical component being manufactured. As a result of the frequent occurrence of medical crises in the business, it is difficult or impossible to anticipate the parts or medical components required at a moment's notice. This has recently been shown vividly by the sudden and unexpected requirement for personal protective equipment due to the fast and unexpected spread of the new coronavirus in the United States. Precision CNC machining may be used in these medical situations to produce high-quality components in a short period.
Capable of Becoming Portable and Localized
Many sizable industrial CNC machines take up a lot of floor space in a facility when production is highly centralized. There are occasionally powerful reasons for this practice to be followed.
It's also possible to get scaled and portable CNC machines that can be stored on a desk or table. Even though such CNC machines have a minimal capacity, they are more than capable of fabricating and machining small but accurate parts, appliances, fixtures, jigs, and other required medical or surgical components. In the medical sector, these gadgets save time by eliminating the need to look for a nearby manufacturing site and thus are very beneficial. Medical crises and remote rural areas that may not have full-service hospitals would benefit from their compact size and low power needs for manufacturing.
Final Thoughts
Product designers, medical experts, and manufacturing professionals can move digital programs from one place to another swiftly and efficiently thanks to digital manufacturing and machining. With this technology, CNC machining can now produce high-quality, specialized medical devices and equipment solutions wherever and whenever they are required the most, regardless of where they are located in the world.
If you are looking for a reliable machine shop and fabrication in Santa Clara, Rost Machining and Fabrication is your best option. We specialize in laser cutting services to provide the most precise cuts in the industry. Visit our website to find out more about our services and how we can assist you.
