In an industry where even the slightest error can cause severe health complications, it is paramount that the machining process of medical parts provides high tolerances and precision measurements. While most ordinary metal parts must satisfy ISO 9001 quality management obligations, medical components and devices must comply with other standards.
CNC machining has been the most ideal for developing precision medical devices and instruments among all machining processes. Advancing CNC processing technologies have humanised the manufacturing of medical devices over the years.
Applications of CNC Machining When Manufacturing Medical Devices
Owing to its significant compatibility with the medical industry, machinists have begun harnessing the potential of CNC medical machining in manufacturing medical precision parts. Here are some medical devices that use CNC machining for their manufacturing process:
1. Machined Surgical Instruments
CNC machining can manufacture high-grade surgical instruments used by medical experts during operations, such as:
- Surgical scissors
- Blade handles
- Biopsy tubes
- Cutters
- Implant holders
- Forceps
Such CNC machined surgical tools and instruments demand scrupulousness and precision and are subject to additional safety requirements that include ease of sterilisation.
Some medical instruments must get manufactured in short production runs, and some demand fabrication for individual patients. Therefore, CNC machining is the ideal approach owing to its reasonable production perks.
2. Micromachining
Micromachining deals with the manufacturing of exceedingly small medical parts. These parts are used primarily in implantable devices, drug-delivering technologies, exploratory surgical tools, and others.
Micromachining can produce the following tools:
- Stents
- Pacemaker components
- Catheters
- Drug delivery systems
- Miniature screws for implants and devices
- Ophthalmic devices
These devices have immense sophistication bundled into their small sizes, which demands high precision and expertise.
Battery manufacturers deal with significant challenges for micro-implantable devices. Therefore, CNC medical machining is the ideal choice considering that it provides high precision levels even for components under 50 microns.