Why Does Medtech Rely on Metal Finishing?

For obvious reasons, equipment and devices used in the medical industry must remain hygienic and sterile. That also means they must incorporate a design, materials, and finish that allows for easy cleaning.

Medical device manufacturers get around this problem by utilizing a variety of finishes for their equipment and accessories. Many tools and instruments—such as dental and surgical instruments—are deburred and then polished. Beyond handheld instruments, scalpels being the most evident, there is a slew of additional devices and hardware intrinsic to medical operations. These are generally finished with metal, using one of many different surface alterations.

It makes you wonder: Why metal finishing? What is so important about using a metal finish, at least when it comes to cleanliness and sterilization?

The Advantages of Metal Finishing
Tools, devices and hardware used in the medical industry in any capacity must meet an incredibly strict set of standards. They must be sterile—or have the ability to be sterilized—reliable even under extreme conditions, flexible in terms of size and shape, and incredibly efficient. If even one of those elements is lacking, the tool itself will be detrimental to an operation, if not outright useless.

Medical equipment is used both internally and externally, which calls for a high level of biocompatibility. A patient’s body must not go into shock or experience damage as a result of a tool being inserted or used.

Metal, or more specifically metal finishing, is the ideal solution for meeting the necessary requirements.

Manufacturers often start with a raw metal stock—bar or sheet—which is shaped into the size and dimensions of the instrument or equipment in need. It is then inspected for defects, modified if any are discovered, then deburred.

Metal components are commonly used in instances where implants must be situated inside the body, including knee, hip, and elbow replacements. You also see metal components in dental work, cardiology operations, and more. Once inside the body, the implants retain their hygienic properties and last much longer because they’re free from factors like rusting, warping, or decomposition.

Cardiovascular implants such as pacemakers, artificial heart valves, and even active defibrillators are made of metal because they must be able to stand up to long-term blood and plasma exposure, as well as the varying conditions of the inner body.

All of it is made possible with quality metal materials or surfaces. They can be deburred and remain burr-free, and they are corrosion-resistant, reliable, and provide an exceptionally clean, sanitary surface. Metal finishing specifically boosts the longevity for any equipment, device, or component by making them stronger and more sanitary.

Meeting Regulatory Demand
ISO certifications like ISO 13485 address many features and functions of medical devices, outlying rigid standards for how they should be constructed. One of the requirements of the standard is the use of a high-quality finish, due to the optimal qualities it can provide. Whether disposable or permanent, all medical equipment must have a smooth, corrosion-resistant surface that is easy to clean and remains sterile long after.

Methods like sandblasting can be used to deburr, smooth, and sand down rough edges or surfaces. This is especially necessary after forming the raw materials into the tool or component. Even with a proper smoothing process, the metal itself still needs to be prepared for use—which is where the finishing comes into play.

In addition, relatively new and rare alloys are being used in today’s landscape. Materials such as titanium, nitinol, and tantalum all require improved finishing processes despite their superior properties. Titanium, for instance, is less likely to be rejected by a body but requires incredibly strengthened forms of finishing to shape and form it properly.

Medical Devices, Tools, and Components Must Be Finished Properly
It should now be evident that proper surface finishing for medical equipment is vital for safe and successful operations. Even if you’re talking about hard or ABS plastic, the surface finish must be smooth and clean, especially if the resulting product is going to be used inside a patient’s body.

However, metal is one of the most ideal materials for medical supplies because of its innate properties. It’s easy to clean, reliable, sterile, and corrosion-resistant. As with all materials and surfaces, it must be appropriately finished—not just to remove burrs and defects, but also to improve performance, hygiene, and reliability. An excellent finish can extend the life of a component or piece of equipment.

Modern medtech needs metal finishing.