Custom milling – why personalized parts are crucial for medical equipment?
Milling is an advanced manufacturing process. It uses a cutting tool mounted on a rotating spindle and allows selective removal of material from a block of raw substrate. The milling requires the workpiece to be fitted to a rotating table that moves on different planes. It allows the tool to work at various angles. The application of milling in the medical field enables the manufacturing of the medical equipment from a vast variety of materials, including surgical grade stainless steel, titanium, polypropylene, and polyethylene
Why is it worth ordering customized milled parts?
Milling revolutionized manufacturing within the medical industry, providing designers with the ability to create personalized appliances. Customized milled parts allow production of very precise devices that can answer individual needs of the users. They also enable minimization, which additionally increases the comfort of the patients. Better adjustment of medical equipment leads to the improvement within the scope of the patient care.
The importance of milling for the medical equipment
Milling is extremely important for the creation of high quality medical equipment. It is used to ensure that small parts fit together perfectly and function as intended. Precision milling offers accuracy and precision which are needed in the process of creating complex shapes and designs. It makes it possible to avoid roughness and consistently achieve micron-level tolerances, even as tight as ±0.005 mm. Milling machines used in the process of milling can effectively handle diverse materials, ensuring optimal results every time. Because of that every medical grade material can come in a desired shape and even the most complex geometry. Moreover, the milling process is characterized by its flexibility and adaptability. Due to its computer-driven approach the changes to a device’s design can be quickly implemented, allowing for rapid iterations and adjustability in production. The advantages of the milling, that make this process important for the medical equipment, consist of:
- automation and fast turnaround times,
- productivity and efficiency of the manufacturing of medical equipment,
- reliability and consistent quality,
- consistency and repeatability of production,
- waste and material usage reduction,
- effective production of small or large batches of components at a relatively low cost,
- improved surface finishes and texture options,
- adherence to medical standards, such as ISO 13485 which specifies requirements for quality management.
Additionally, milling in the medical field allows for rapid and cost-effective prototyping. It helps ensure all the design flaws are removed before the project enters mass production.
What parts of medical equipment can be custom-milled?
In this day and age various pieces of medical equipment can be custom-milled to better fit their purpose and to answer to the individual needs of the patient. The customization is prevalent in orthopedic and dental implants, as well as prosthetics and exoskeletons.
Orthopedic implants
Custom-milled orthopedic implants come in the form of joint replacements, such as knee, hip, and shoulder joints, and bone plates used to stabilize fractured bones. They provide an efficient and patient-specific solution, while also ensuring longevity and comfort of use.
Dental implants
Custom-milled dental implants are paramount for successful dental procedures. They provide personalized solutions for individual patients.
Prosthetics and exoskeletons
Custom-milled prosthetics and exoskeletons can improve the quality of life of the patients who need them. They fit perfectly and function flawlessly. Customized limb prosthetics ensure natural movement, and custom-milled exoskeleton parts help patients with mobility issues move better.
The milling services providers also offer other custom-milled medical devices, such as various surgical and dental instruments, diagnostic equipment, and robotic surgery components.
