In the medical device manufacturing industry, achieving the ultimate levels of precision and accuracy to ensure patient safety is a must. As such, computer numerical control (CNC) machining – a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery – is an excellent option.
Because CNC machining can produce large amounts of products or parts quickly, cost-effectively, and repeatedly, it has helped transform the medical industry. And that’s just the beginning of the transformation and resulting benefits:
- It’s fast. With CNC machining, a finished product can be hours away versus days or weeks away. For medical emergencies when time is of the essence, every second matters. The rapid need for personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19 is a very real and recent example.
- It’s flexible. Other than a few exceptions, CNC machining works with the most common rigid materials that are used for medical and surgical appliances, tools, and end-use parts and components. At Cutting Edge CNC, as related to metals and alloys, we can produce parts comprised of brass, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and mild steel. As related to plastics, we can produce parts comprised of Delrin plastic, acetal plastic, nylon, and polypropylene.
- It’s not restricted by volume. Once the digital file is made for the end part, a coding program can be quickly generated from the file. The program can then be used to produce one medical part or multiple medical parts, all with the highest levels of accuracy and precision. Because CNC machining doesn’t require minimum orders, it is a solid fit for one-off or custom-made medical device components.
- It’s adaptive. CNC machining can be used across a vast array of medical device parts and equipment, including medical implants such as hip, spine, and knee implants, machined surgical instruments such as surgical scissors, blade handles, spacers, biopsy tubes, implant holders, and forceps, and machined parts for electronic medical components such as X-ray machines, MRI scanners, and heart rate monitors.
In short, CNC machining has transformed – and continues to transform – the medical industry. As one of the most reliable manufacturing methods, it offers fast, cost-effective, precise, and accurate production of medical components.
At Cutting Edge CNC – with nearly 10 years of proven experience – we specialize in precision machining services with a wide array of tolerances. Our machining and turning centers have the capacity for large and small projects. We offer rapid prototyping and small and precise machining as well as high-volume production for buyers and engineers. Visit our gallery to see photos of our projects, and contact us today to learn more about the benefits of CNC machining and how we can help you with your next medical device project.