CNC machining is used in many industries, but particularly those that require the manufacture of complex and precise components that can be created in large numbers and with a high level of accuracy. Medical CNC machining has developed hugely since it was first used in the 1960s, with the manufacturing method being used to create everything from surgical instruments to microsensors.
This blog post looks at what CNC machining is, it’s use in the medical industry and how the expert team at Washington Components can manufacture bespoke parts for your project.
What is CNC machining
Computer numerical control or CNC is a type of manufacturing controlled by computer software that sends messages to a cutting machine instructing it to cut, drill and shape materials into often intricate shapes and pieces. The computer program tells the cutting machine’s tools what to do and how to remove material from the workpiece to create the end piece.
There are a several different types of machine used that cut the workpiece to create different effects. CNC milling machines operate with a rotating tool that removes bits of material from the workpiece. In contrast, lathes and CNC turning machines rotate the workpiece while the cutting tool moves along the surface to remove parts of the workpiece. CNC routers move the cutter head in various different directions, controlling the motion of the workpiece and drilling machines bore holes into the workpiece.
One of the many advantages of this type of manufacturing is that it can create large volumes of identical, highly accurate end pieces efficiently and with little waste. The process lends itself to sectors such as the medical industry that requires intricate and precision components to be created in high volumes.
The role CNC machining plays in industry
This type of manufacturing is the ideal fit for industries that require customised and intrictate parts to be created in high volumes with each part being of the exact specification and with a high level of tolerance. Oil and gas, aerospace, marine, automotive and energy as well as medical are just some of the huge industries across the world that rely on CNC machining technology to create components for their equipment from a range of materials such as such as aluminium, plastics, steel and titanium.
How is CNC machining used in the medical industry?
Many of the machines and pieces of equipment used in the medical industry require intricate and delicate parts due to the function they perform within the machine they help to operate. CNC machining is therefore the perfect form of manufacturing to create these components because of its ability to create intricate pieces with exceptional accuracy, quickly and in high volumes.
The components are used in a range of applications from customisable dental implants that demand optimal fit and function to surgical instruments with precise functionality, bespoke pieces such as implants and prosthetic devices that are made to fit an individual and diagnostic equipment like MRI scanners.
All of these applications demand high levels of accuracy in each of the components to ensure they work effectively and reliably to provide accurate results every time. Medical machining is able to deliver to that level.
Washington Components expertise in CNC machining medical parts
With over 40 years of expertise, the teams at Washington Components create quality, medical-grade components that will last. Our medical device manufacturing processes create innovative and customisable components suitable for a range of applications from diagnostic tools to high-quality instruments.
Our services also include project management, quality inspection and NDT processes to ensure all components meet the exacting standards required for the medical sector.Get in touch with our team today to discuss your medical CNC machining needs.
