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Views: 50 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-07-11 Origin: Site
Selecting the right material for new medical device development significantly impacts every stage of the device's life cycle—from design, prototyping, and testing to regulatory approvals, mass production, commercialization, and disposal. Each material offers specific characteristics that must align with the device's requirements and final applications.
Understanding these characteristics allows for quick and accurate material selection. Here are some common medical materials, along with their properties and applications, to help you make faster and more informed decisions.
Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, durability, temperature resistance, and environmental friendliness. Common grades like 316 and 316L are highly corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic, making them ideal for medical implants and body piercings as they do not interfere with sensitive instruments. Stainless steel is extensively used in medical, surgical, and dental tools and is suitable for mirror polishing.
Titanium is extensively utilized in medical applications due to its exceptional biocompatibility. It is frequently employed in prosthetic and joint-replacement devices, facilitating human bone growth. As a non-allergenic and biocompatible material, titanium is often chosen as a substitute for stainless steel because it is lighter and offers superior biocompatibility.
Aluminum is favored for manufacturing medical instruments and equipment due to its recyclability, lightweight nature, strength, non-toxicity, affordability, and ease of machining. It is commonly used in items like wheelchair frames. To prevent oxidation, aluminum parts are typically painted or anodized for durability in various applications.
Polycarbonates, known for their impact resistance and high-temperature tolerance, are extensively utilized in various applications. These include medical protective gear and eyewear. They are also commonly used in medical prototyping due to their robust properties.
Polypropylene is known for its resistance to steam sterilization, making it ideal for use in steam-sterilized medical devices. It is a durable and cost-effective medical-grade plastic material. Common applications include protective masks, surgical instruments, and catheters.
Polyethylene is a highly versatile and durable material, widely used across various applications. It boasts impact and chemical resistance along with low moisture absorption, making it a popular choice for medical-grade plastics. Due to its biological inertness and non-degradable nature, it is often used in medical implants.
PEEK is highly resistant to high temperatures, making it suitable for both chemical and standard sterilization processes. It is commonly used in applications such as spinal implants, trauma fixation, cardiovascular implants, and in orthopedic surgery and dentistry.
Materials for medical products are transforming the healthcare sector. For instance, polymers used in medical devices are increasingly replacing metals in various applications, all while adhering to strict regulatory standards. At Zonze, we specialize in processing medical-grade materials using technologies like CNC machining and injection molding. Our focus is on delivering rapid prototypes and production parts for medical device companies, contributing to the creation of a healthier world.
