Why is CNC machining used in the medical industry?
CNC machining is used in the medical industry for its accuracy and repeatability. Injection molding is used to create many medical supplies, such as plastic face shields. To create the best molds, CNC machining was used. CNC machines are faster and more accurate than manual machines. This also makes their processed products more accurate. This is important for machined products with tight tolerances, such as prosthetics and medical machinery.
Applications for CNC machining for the medical industry
There are many different applications for CNC machining in the medical field. For example, CNC machining can be used to create prosthetic devices, implants, and surgical instruments. Additionally, CNC machining can be used to create medical devices such as stents and pacemakers.
Benefits of CNC Machining
CNC machining is a great choice for manufacturing medical devices of any size. Some benefits of CNC machining include:
Tight Tolerances
Some complex medical devices require very tight tolerance. This is easily achieved with a decent CNC machine. CNC machining provides an excellent surface finish and requires minimal post-processing.
No volume limit
Once the CAD file is created, you can quickly generate a coded program from it. This coding program helps make any number of parts with the push of a button. This is ideal for making one-off or custom parts, which are often applied to specialized medical devices, prosthetics and other medical components.
Fast and seamless production rhythm
Depending on the complexity of the medical component, CNC machining can take as little as a few hours from digital CAD file to finished product. This swift manufacturing is extremely reliable in medical emergencies, where it is difficult to predict the type and quantity of supplies that may be needed for future patients within a short period of time.
Medical devices must be suitable for all purposes. Any change in specifications could lead to disaster in the medical field. Digital processing reduces this risk to a minimum.
Components We Build for the Medical Industry
| Part | Application | Machining Process Used | Material | Specific Feature |
| Rotor | Blood Gas Analyzer | 4-Axis Milling | 6061-T6 Aluminum | 0.010″ Thick Cell Walls |
| Rotor Housing | Blood Gas Analyzer | 4-Axis Milling | 6061-T6 Aluminum | Micro Milling of Housing to Accept Electronics |
| Stator | Blood Gas Analyzer | 3-Axis milling | 6061-T6 Aluminum | Circle Interpolate Boss with 0.0005″ Tolerance |
| Objective Head | Catheter Head | EDM Sinker | 17-4PH Steel | EDM Sink with Miniature Copper Electrodes |
| Barrier | CT Scanner | Conventional Turn and Mill | 718 Inconel | Used Ceramic Tooling for Turning |
| Arc, Support | CT Scanner Rail | 4-Axis Milling | Project 70 Steel | Drilling and Tapping Holes on the Face of a 48″ Radius |
| Impeller | Fluid Flow | 5-Axis Milling | PEEK | Burr-Free Micro Milling |
| Micro-Tip | Instrument Cap | Micro Turning | AISI 316 Stainless Steel | Micro Wire EDM |
| Gear Plate | Laser Eye Keratome | 4-Axis Milling | 17-4 Ph Cond H900 | Mill to Accept Miniature Gears |
| Insulator, Conductivity | Element Isolator | Mill/Turn | Kel-F PCTFE Plastic | Turn Tapered ID Profiles |
| Impeller, Polished | Experimental Heart Pump | 5-Axis Milling | 6Al-4v Titanium | Burr Free Polished Impeller Surface |
| Alignment Screw | CT Scanner | Swiss Screw Machine | 718 Inconel | Burr Free Part for Clean Room Use |
| Nozzle, Dispensing | Drug Dispensing Nozzle | Hard Turning | 17-4 PH Cond H900 | EDM Wire 2mm Thru-Hole over 8 ” Length |
| Chamber | Pneumatic Drill Core | Eccentric Turning | 17-4 ph Cond H900 | Honing ID to 8 Micro Finish |
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Contact the medical CNC machining professionals at FRIMA for precise, accurate components.
The medical industry relies on the precision and accuracy of CNC machining for the creation of vital components. The FRIMA team has the experience and expertise to meet the challenges of the most demanding specifications. We are ISO 9001 certified and our team is committed to the highest standards of quality and service. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.
