Why Precision Is Important in Medical CNC Machining

When it comes to medical devices and components, precision isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s mission critical. From surgical instruments to implantable components, every part must be manufactured to exact specifications to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance. That’s where CNC machining comes in—and why companies across the medical industry trust Modelcraft Co. to get it right.

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The Stakes Are High in Medical Manufacturing

Unlike consumer or commercial products, medical parts often go inside the human body or are used in high-stakes surgical environments. There’s no room for error. A micrometer too small or too large could affect how a part fits, functions, or holds up under stress. That’s why tight tolerances, clean finishes, and exacting quality control are absolutely essential.

How CNC Machining Delivers Unmatched Accuracy

With CNC machining, computer-guided tools execute ultra-precise movements based on CAD/CAM files, making it possible to hit those tight tolerances consistently. At Modelcraft Co., we specialize in small, high-precision components and use advanced equipment like wire EDM, milling, turning, and grinding to produce complex geometries out of materials like stainless steel, titanium, and high-performance plastics—all common in the medical field.

Quality Is Built Into Our Process

We don’t just machine parts—we inspect, document, and verify every step of the way. Modelcraft Co. is both ASD and ISO : certified, meaning our quality systems meet the highest international standards. Our team is trained to catch what others might miss, ensuring every part we deliver meets the demanding requirements of the medical industry.

Enabling Better Patient Outcomes

Precision in medical CNC machining isn’t about the part—it’s about the person who relies on it. Every implant, housing, or surgical tool we manufacture plays a role in helping someone heal, recover, or thrive. And that’s why we take our work seriously.

Because In Surgery, “Close Enough” Isn’t Close Enough

If you need a machining partner who understands the critical nature of medical components, you’re in the right place. Modelcraft Co. combines nearly 60 years of expertise with state-of-the-art technology to deliver parts that perform when it matters most. Get in touch with Modelcraft Co. to talk about your next project—we’re here to help you make it flawless.

Innovative medical technology leads to improved diagnostics, treatments, and patient care. Achieving these cutting-edge innovations, however, requires the right material. In this article, we will examine materials used to create medical tech, focusing predominantly on the R&D stage. Some of the applications mentioned here require medical-grade (FDA-approved) materials, some of which are available via Protolabs. 

What is medical tech?

 Medical tech includes imaging systems, medical devices, wearable devices, and medical robotics, among other technologies, aimed at improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through the application of technology in the healthcare field. 

What materials are commonly used to manufacture medical technology?

• Metals. Stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and various alloys are often used for structural components, frames, and mechanical parts due to their strength, durability, and machinability.

• Plastics. Different types of plastics, including thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, are commonly used in medical tech for their versatility, lightweight nature, and ease of manufacturing. Plastics can be used for enclosures, casings, handles, and certain components.

• Composites. Carbon fiber composites, fiberglass or polymer-matrix composites are strong and lightweight for enhanced functionality.
  

What manufacturing methods are used to create medical tech?

The manufacturing method that is best suited for specific medical tech will vary based on factors such as design complexity, desired material properties, production volume, and cost considerations. Here are a few of the most common methods that Protolabs Network customers use.

• CNC machining. Valuable for creating parts with high dimensional accuracy, custom components, or specialized parts with tight tolerances, such as surgical instruments, implantable devices, or precision components for diagnostic equipment.

• Injection molding. Useful for manufacturing complex and high-volume medical tech components, including injection molded casings for devices like insulin pumps, syringes, or drug delivery systems, where consistency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness are crucial.

• 3D printing. Enables the fabrication of intricate and customized prototypes or small-batch production of medical tech innovations, such as patient-specific anatomical models, surgical guides, prosthetics, or dental implants, with design freedom, rapid turnaround, and the ability to test and iterate designs efficiently.

What materials are used to create medical tech with CNC machining?

 The following materials are commonly used to create medical tech with CNC machining. 

• Stainless steel. High-strength material with excellent corrosion resistance for surgical instruments and implantable devices.

• Titanium. Lightweight and biocompatible material for orthopedic implants and dental prosthetics.

• PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone). Biocompatible polymer with high chemical resistance for spinal implants and dental components.

• Aluminum. Lightweight and corrosion-resistant material for medical equipment housings and structural components.

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). Durable and impact-resistant polymer for medical device prototypes and casings.

What materials are used to create medical tech with injection molding?

 The following materials are commonly used to create medical tech with injection molding. 

• Polycarbonate (PC). Transparent and impact-resistant material for medical device housings and fluid containers.

• Polypropylene (PP). Chemically resistant and flexible material for syringes, IV components, and laboratory consumables. Can be sterilized using various methods.

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• Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR). Biocompatible elastomer for medical seals, gaskets, and soft-touch components.

• Polyethylene (PE). Lightweight and sterilizable material for packaging, tubes, and connectors in medical applications.

• Polystyrene (PS). Clear and rigid material for medical labware, diagnostic devices, and disposable items.

What materials are used to create medical tech with 3D printing?

 The following materials are commonly used to create medical tech with 3D printing. 

• PLA (Polylactic Acid). Biodegradable and easy-to-print material for surgical models and temporary implants.

• Nylon. Durable and flexible material for custom prosthetics, braces, and patient-specific surgical guides.

• Resin (Photopolymer). High-resolution and biocompatible material for dental models and hearing aid shells.

• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). Flexible and elastic material for wearable medical devices and prosthetic components.

• PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol). Water-soluble support material for complex 3D-printed structures in medical models and devices.

What properties should you consider when choosing a material to manufacture med tech?

By carefully considering these properties, you can choose materials that meet the specific needs, safety requirements, and performance criteria of the medical tech you are developing.

• Biocompatibility. Consider the material's ability to interact safely with living tissues without causing adverse reactions or harm.

• Sterilization compatibility. Evaluate if the material can withstand the chosen sterilization method without compromising its properties or safety.

• Mechanical properties. Assess the material's strength, flexibility, and durability to ensure it can withstand intended mechanical stresses and forces.

• Thermal properties. Assess the material's ability to withstand temperature variations, and thermal expansion, and maintain stability during sterilization processes or when exposed to heat sources.

• Electrical properties. Consider electrical conductivity or insulation properties to prevent interference or electrical risks in medical tech applications.

• Wear and friction. Consider the material's wear resistance, lubricity, and friction properties, especially if it will be in contact with other surfaces or moving parts.

• Regulatory compliance. Ensure the material meets necessary standards and guidelines, such as FDA or ISO standards, to ensure safety and effectiveness in medical tech manufacturing and usage.

What manufacturing factors influence material selection for medical tech?

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions regarding material selection for medical tech, ensuring optimal performance, regulatory compliance, cost-effectiveness, and successful manufacturing outcomes.

• Functionality and performance. The material should be chosen based on its ability to meet the specific functional requirements of the project. It should exhibit the desired performance characteristics necessary for testing and validation purposes, allowing researchers to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the technology.

• Prototype iterations and customization. R&D for medical tech often involves rapid prototyping and iterative design processes. Materials suitable for R&D purposes should enable quick and efficient fabrication of prototypes, facilitate modifications, and allow for customization as the technology evolves during the research phase.

• Cost and availability. Considering the cost and availability of materials is crucial, as researchers often work within limited budgets and timelines. Opting for readily available and cost-effective materials enables efficient experimentation and iteration without incurring excessive expenses.

• Process compatibility. Material selection should consider the compatibility of the chosen materials with the available manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, or hand fabrication techniques. The materials should be easily processable using the available resources and tools, especially in the R&D stage.

• Future scalability and manufacturing considerations. While R&D in medical tech focuses on proof-of-concept and validation, it is beneficial to consider the potential future scalability and manufacturing aspects of the technology. Choosing materials that have a path to scalable manufacturing or are representative of those used in commercial production can facilitate a smoother transition from R&D to production.

To produce a part for a medical device, start by uploading a CAD file to receive an instant quote and automatic DFM analysis. 

Are you interested in learning more about Two Color Injection Molding? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!