Precision machining is a way to address the growing need for tighter tolerances in various industries. However, to produce precision medical components requires exactitude. Arguably, accuracy is everything in an industry that increasingly is miniaturizing its products. Minneapolis machine shops have to realize this before they decide to enter this highly competitive field.
The Challenges of Producing Medical Components
Medical components are a challenge to produce in a number of ways. Machine shops and manufacturers are facing some restrictions that influence their choice of materials and equipment. Set-up and workplace types also come under serious restraints when dealing with closely regulated components. Machine shops must face:
* Size Constraints: Increasingly, medical components are becoming smaller
* Materials: While stainless steel is popular, titanium is also a material for producing precision medical components. All material must be medical grade
* Equipment Requirements: It is necessary to have the right. In order to improve tolerances, shops have to install the latest tools – preferably ones that have a small shop footprint and require minimal tooling. At the same time, the tools must be cost-effective, enabling shops to keep the results affordable for their customers
* Time Constraints: Customers want their product ASAP even if the process involves designing a prototype or customizing an existing model. The tiny components that make up the majority of surgical and other medical instruments present several difficulties in producing an item speedily
These factors present a challenge for machinists.
Precision Medical Components
Today, the demand for high quality, precision medical components is rising. Machine shops are producing products ranging from disposable ER tools to high tolerance implants. In Minneapolis, shops work to improve continually the quality of their product. They strive to advance their machining techniques while controlling costs. Those companies that will succeed are those that continue to adapt to the decreasing size of components with more innovative techniques and through embracing the latest technology.
