Materials machined in the medical sector: innovation for health

In the medical sector, quality and precision are vital to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the devices and components used in healthcare. The machining of specific materials is a fundamental aspect of medical parts manufacturing. In this article we look at some of the most common materials machined in the medical sector, highlighting their importance and the key considerations for machining them, including 5-axis machining and machining with Swiss-type lathes.

The main materials used in medical machining

1. Stainless steel:

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials in the medical sector because of its corrosion resistance, durability and ability to be sterilised. It is used to manufacture surgical instruments, implants and medical equipment components. Machining stainless steel requires high-quality cutting tools and precise techniques, such as 5-axis machining, to achieve tight tolerances and defect-free surfaces.

1. Titanium:

Titanium is a highly valued material in the medical sector thanks to its biocompatibility, strength and light weight. It is used in orthopaedic implants, spinal fusion devices and prosthetic components. Machining titanium can be challenging because of its low thermal conductivity and high tendency for chip adhesion. It requires special tools and advanced techniques, such as 5-axis machining, to achieve optimum precision and avoid damaging the part.

1. Engineering plastics:

 Engineering plastics such as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are used in a wide range of medical applications, such as joint implants and drug delivery devices. These materials are lightweight, strong and biocompatible. Machining engineering plastics can benefit from advanced technologies such as 5-axis machining to achieve complex shapes and geometries with high precision.

1. Cobalt-chromium alloys:

Cobalt-chromium alloys are widely used in the manufacture of prostheses and medical devices because of their high strength, durability and ability to withstand mechanical loads. Machining these alloys requires durable cutting tools and specific techniques, such as 5-axis machining, to achieve dimensional accuracy and high-quality surface finishes.

• Biodegradable polymers:

Biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) are used in medical applications that require the material to be absorbed over time, such as sutures and temporary implants. Biodegradable polymers must be machined carefully to avoid generating excessive heat and to maintain the integrity of the material. Here, both 5-axis machining and machining with Swiss-type lathes can be used to achieve complex geometries and precision in the manufacture of medical components from these materials.

 Machining in the medical sector

In conclusion, machining materials in the medical sector is an essential process that requires precision, quality and efficiency to ensure excellence in the devices and components used in healthcare. In this context, both 5-axis machining with GROB machining centres and machining with Hanwha Swiss-type lathes have proven to be outstanding solutions.

GROB 5-axis machining centres enable highly versatile and precise machining of complex medical parts. With the ability to perform simultaneous five-axis operations, these machining centres offer a wide range of motion and flexibility to create intricate geometries and precise contours.  

Example of 5-axis machining on a GROB WERKE universal machining centre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvxHoDrkRkU&t=22s

Reliable, high-precision GROB universal machining centres meet the high requirements of the medical and pharmaceutical sectors and ensure the reliable manufacture of sensitive parts

Machining on a CNC Swiss-type lathe for the medical sector

Medical machining with Swiss-type lathes is an advanced technique that has revolutionised the manufacture of components and devices used in the medical sector. These lathes offer a versatile and efficient solution for producing complex parts with high precision and quality.

In medical machining, Swiss-type lathes are especially useful because they can carry out multiple operations in a single set-up. This includes turning, milling, drilling and tapping operations, among others. These capabilities make it possible to produce medical components with specific geometries and features that meet the precise requirements of each application.

A common example of medical machining with Swiss-type lathes is the manufacture of components for orthopaedic implants. These implants require high precision and a perfect fit to ensure their functionality and biocompatibility. Swiss-type lathes can machine the necessary features, such as threads, contact surfaces and complex geometries, with the precision required to meet medical standards.

Swiss-type lathes are also used to produce surgical instruments such as forceps, needle holders and instrument handles. These components must be manufactured with high precision and attention to detail to ensure they function correctly and safely during surgical procedures.

Medical machining with Swiss-type lathes offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and precision. Carrying out multiple operations in a single set-up reduces production time and optimises the overall efficiency of the process. In addition, the ability to work with a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, titanium and engineering plastics, allows a wide range of medical components and devices to be manufactured.

In this respect, Hanwha Swiss-type lathes have revolutionised machining in the medical sector by providing a versatile and efficient solution for producing complex parts.   

In summary, both GROB 5-axis machining centres and Hanwha Swiss-type lathes offer advanced, highly effective solutions for machining medical parts for the healthcare sector. Their ability to work with a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, titanium and engineering plastics, allows the manufacture of innovative, customised medical devices that meet the highest standards of quality and precision required in the medical field.

With continuous technological progress and the evolution of machining techniques, GROB 5-axis machining centres and Hanwha Swiss-type lathes will continue to play a crucial role in the manufacture of cutting-edge medical components and devices, driving innovation and improving the quality of care offered to patients worldwide.

Example of machining for the medical sector on a Hanwha Swiss-type lathe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y29kk2K8Z8g