Using medical models built with Rapid Prototyping (RP) technologies represents a new approach for surgical planning and simulation. These techniques allow one to reproduce anatomical objects as 3D physical models, which give the surgeon a realistic impression of complex structures before a surgical intervention. The shift from the visual to the visual-tactile representation of anatomical objects introduces a new kind of interaction called ‘touch to comprehend’.
The one of the world's leading medical device development companies turn to CreateProto to unlock the benefits of the digital manufacturing model. From connected devices to mass personalization of healthcare products, digital manufacturing accelerates development and market introduction through rapid prototyping, bridge tooling, and low-volume production.
Why Do Medical Device Development Companies Use CreateProto?
Interactive Design Analysis
Make critical design adjustments that save development time and cost with design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback on every quote.
Low-Volume Production
Get low-volume production parts in as fast as 1 day to streamline your supply chain once before and after products are launched to market.
Bridge Tooling Before Production
Leverage affordable bridge tooling for design and market validation before capital investment in tools.
Medical Materials
Choose from high-temperature plastics, medical-grade silicone rubber, and 3D-printed micro-resolution and microfluidic parts, among hundreds of other plastic, metal, and elastomeric materials.
Technology Agnostic
Multiple manufacturing technologies across four services mean your parts are paired with the right equipment and process regardless your project needs.
Rapid Prototyping
Create prototypes in production-grade materials for functional and regulatory testing, or 3D print models and organ scans to preview before medical procedures.
3D Printing Drives Innovation in the Medical Industry
Advances in 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, are capturing attention in the health care field because of their potential to improve treatment for certain medical conditions. A radiologist, for instance, might create an exact replica of a patient’s spine to help plan a surgery; a dentist could scan a broken tooth to make a crown that fits precisely into the patient’s mouth. In both instances, the doctors can use 3D printing to make products that specifically match a patient’s anatomy.
CNC Machining for Medical Parts (Titanium)
Our precision medical machining experts have valuable hands-on experience in manufacturing some of the world’s smallest medical components. We fully understand the importance of accuracy so we monitor every step of the medical component’s processing. The exacting standards of the medical industry are rigorously followed. Our machinists will tackle your precision medical machining challenge with dedication and understanding of your specific needs.
What Materials Work Best for Medical Applications?
High-temp Plastics. PEEK and PEI (Ultem) offer high-temperature resistance, creep resistance, and are suited for applications that require sterilization.
Medical-grade Silicone Rubber. Dow Corning’s QP1-250 has excellent thermal, chemical, and electrical resistance. It’s also bio-compatible so can be used in applications that require skin contact.
Carbon RPU and FPU. Carbon DLS uses rigid and semi-rigid polyurethane materials to build functional parts ideal for late-stage prototyping or end-use devices.
Microfluidics. Watershed (ABS-like) and Accura 60 (PC-like) are clear materials can be used for microfluidic parts and transparent components like lenses and housings.
Medical Alloys. Between machined and 3D-printed metals along with sheet metal, there are more than 20 metal material options available for medical components, instrumentation, and other applications. Metals like titanium and Inconel have attributes like temperature resistance while various stainless steel materials brings corrosion resistance and strength.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
We have several capabilities within our services and processes catered to the consumer and computer electronics industries. A few of common applications include:
- Handheld devices
- Surgical instruments
- Enclosures and housings
- Ventilators
- Implantable prototypes
- Prosthetic components
- Microfluidics
- Wearables
- Cartridges
