Fuelling Innovation In Medical Equipment Manufacturing With High Precision Cutting Tools

Medical manufacturing is meticulous in its detail, taking years of research and development for products to reach market. The types of equipment that are utilised ranges from diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, insulin pumps and even prosthetic valves and implants and every piece created for patient use has to be manufactured to the highest quality and safety standards.

Naturally, the creation of these high-precision medical instruments and implants demands equally high precision machine tools and cutting tools to produce them. In this article we will explore the cutting tools Rainford Precision offers and how they’re driving innovation within the medical industry.

Why Precision Cutting Tools?

There are many industries where a high degree of accuracy is essential but none more so than medical. Precision CNC machining can ensure tight tolerances and dimensional stability in medical parts and is both suitable for short production runs and custom designs. This is something particularly important in medicine where parts such as dental implants, hip replacements and other prosthetics need to closely match a patient’s unique anatomy for optimal function.

Precision CNC machine centres like the Kern Micro series can work with a multitude of different materials commonly used in medical devices such as chrome-cobalt, ultra-fine carbide, titanium, plastics and ceramic. Cutting tools from companies like Hobe, Louis Belet and Union Tools are manufactured from incredibly strong materials to provide long-lasting accuracy with reduced wear and tear and a longer tool life.

Additionally, precision medical machining can help meet stringent national and international regulations which are particular to the manufacture of medical devices. For example, not only do such devices have to be microscopically precise they often need to be sterilised before use and have coatings which don’t cause adverse reactions and enjoy sufficient longevity.

How Precision Cutting Tools & Machines Helps Medical Manufacturing

There are a number of areas where precision machining excels in the medical sphere:

• Implants and prosthetics – Joint replacements (hip and knee), dental implants, titanium plates and screws etc must all fit exactly to allow for optimal mobility and minimal pain.
• Surgical tools – Instruments used in minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopes or endoscopic devices, rely on tiny, precise components that precision machining delivers. Similarly, instruments common in surgery like clamps, retractors, scalpels, needle holders and surgical scissors need to be accurate and made from materials like stainless steel which are durable and resistant to corrosion.
• Customised medical solutions – Advanced imaging and 3D printing have revolutionised surgeons’ ability to view the exact anatomy of a patient and to order prosthetics which exactly match the patient needs. The 3D model created can then be used to machine the exact shape and size required.
• Use of advanced biocompatible materials – Precision machining can cope with the use of advanced materials suitable for implantation in the human body. It’s essential these materials are used to reduce the risk of rejection or infection, aiding a patient’s recovery.
• Design innovation - Lightweight, strong, and flexible materials can be manufactured into complex shapes that traditional methods can’t achieve, fuelling new device designs and applications.

Find out more about all our drills, milling cutters and the variety of high-precision tools and experience 'Precision Redefined' by contacting our expert team today to find out more!

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