How Precision Micromachining Impacts Medical Devices

Precision machining, at the macro level, has provided huge benefits and has transformed the approach of many industries including manufacturing, automation, robotics, and the aerospace industry. At the micro level, precision machining has arguably had the greatest impact on the medical industry.

Many of the medical advancements and treatments we enjoy today would like be impossible were it not for the innovations and advancements of precision microfabrication. In this post, we’ll take a look at how precision micromachining has an impact on the current and future state of the medical industry.

Precision Machining Meets Strict Tolerances and Specifications

More than just about any other industry, the medical industry is the one place where safety, precision, and accuracy is needed above all else. Precision microfabrication allows engineers to create the exact dimensions required for surgical tools, medical devices, drug delivery systems, and more.

Furthermore, precision micromachining is used to create complext parts for lasers or robotics that are used in intricate surgeries and procedures. Further advancements in machining will allow medical industry leaders to continue to discover more innovative and less intrusive means of treatments for patients.

lab on a chip, organ on a chip, ooc device

Use a Variety of Materials

Materials for use in medical settings need to meet strict standards for durability, safety, non-reactiveness with the human body and ability to be sterilized. For example, joint replacements are often created from medical stainless steel or titanium for incomparable strength, resilience and function.

Precision microfabrication allows these materials to be skillfully transformed into complex and detailed shapes, sizes, and dimensions needed for specific medical applciations. Many of these pieces that are micromachined are implanted permanently into patients, and therefore need to meet tight tolerances.

Miniaturization for Comfort, Safety, and Effectiveness

We’ve mentioned it multiple times throughout our microfabrication blog posts, but we’ll say it again here: advances in micromachining, specifically glass micromachining, have allowed for huge leaps in treatments and therapies in the medical industry. Insulin pumps, heart monitors, defibrillators, and more are just a few of the medical implants that transform…and save lives…everyday. This is all possible to the miniaturization of precision machining, known as micromachining.

Microfabrication of medical devices allows for these devices and their parts to be smaller and more precise; this includes the cabling, electronic components, and their casings. For patients, they are now able to live a freer, more mobile lifestyle without being encumbered by the previous era of larger devices and implants.

Citrogene: Glass Microfabrication Engineers

Citrogene is the leading glass microfabrication expert in the world. We have the skills, knowledge, tools, and expertise to execute your custom design to perfection. When it comes to producing microfabricated devices, pieces, or instruments, there is only one trusted microfabrication partner to consider: Citrogene. Contact us today to learn more about our glass microfabrication capabilities.