Andrii Opal
What Is Precision Machining?
Due to the many benefits offered by precision machining, the way industries perform their processes has completely transformed. These industries include, but not limited to, automation, aeronautical, manufacturing, and robotics. But if you are to talk about the single most important industry that benefits from precision machining, it is none other than the medical industry.
In fact, a good number of the medical advances that the society enjoys today are made possible thanks to precision machining. Its innovations and progress have opened doors for humanity to thrive in the medical realm. Here is how it has brought a significant impact to the very state of medical progress.
Making the Impossible Possible
It cannot be denied that out of all the industry in the world, the medical sector is the only one that requires accuracy, precision, and safety, among many other qualities. Precision machining, in particular, has made it possible for the creation of exact dimensions needed for surgical tools and/or equipment. Not only are they fit for a surgeon’s hands, but they also bring more accurate results. Mind you, some of these tools require extremely small parts to function – and these parts can only be achieved through the use of either EDM or CNC Machining.
Apart from the aforementioned, machining is also being widely used in creating complex parts for lasers or robotics. By doing so, even the most impossible surgeries from a couple of years ago are now possible. Experts even believe that the continuous access to machining will eventually lead to more discoveries and innovations, all of which are essential in achieving medical advances.
Since these tools are mostly used in the finest surgery, even the tiniest of deviation or error can prove detrimental to the overall success. That is why precision machining has become an important part of the medical industry since it leads to the creation of the finest and most accurate tools; hence, they are both reliable and safe.
Effective With Either Variety or Quality of Materials
It holds true that the materials needed in any medical setting must meet strict standards; otherwise, they cannot be deemed durable, safe, and even non-reactive with the human body. Even more so, they will not have the ability to be sterilized. Take for example joint replacements, which are usually created from medical titanium or stainless steel. This is done in order to achieve unparalleled function, resilience, and strength.
Precision machining makes it possible for materials to be transformed in a skillful manner. From there, they can be converted to different shapes and sizes, no matter how complex or detailed they are. And, as a result, they can easily be used in specific medical applications. Considering the fact that most, if not all, of these are permanently implanted into people, it is only right for them to meet the tightest tolerance and achieve smoother surfaces to prevent the possibility of burrs or striations.
CNC machining, in particular, is imperative for machining and/or creation of these complex, precise parts. And even the hardest of materials can be manipulated, thanks to it. Through this sophisticated machining technique, every part of a tool is identical and fits right in for top-notch function.
The Importance of Miniaturization
There are medical implants like defibrillators and heart monitors needed in transforming and saving lives on a regular basis. But, in the past, their design appeared to be quite large and cumbersome. As such, people were having a hard time functioning normally.
Fortunately, precision machining became a reality. This made it possible for the aforementioned designs to be miniaturized with smaller, more precise components to the point that cables and casing can be used. Above all, these implants can be placed inside the human body with ease, allowing people to live a relatively normal life. Not only have they gained freedom but as well as the freedom to better enjoy life.
The Road Towards the Perfect Fit
Precision machining is also important in the goal of allowing medical devices to be custom designed for a personalized fit. This is apparent in many of today’s prosthetic devices, from artificial limbs to artificial knees to implants which must fit and match a person exactly.
Interestingly, this machining is uniquely equipped in order to satisfy these needs. As a matter of fact, designing and creating these custom parts have been made possible – and even cost-effective – due to the existence of CNC Machining. Once designs are inputted to computer controls, parts can be accurately and quickly machined to for runs – be it small or big.
It is safe to say that precision machining has brought many wonders to the medical industry. It will even continue to exist as an integral part of the advancement of the sector in the future. If you want to learn more about how it impacts the said industry, our professionals here at Blue Water Technology are more than happy to talk to you.