Micromachining: Exploring the Growth of Medical Innovation

Advances in medicine have always been a driver for innovation in the pursuit of a better future. As breakthroughs occur, new devices and technologies are in high demand - especially for designing tooling systems for micromachining applications. 

Manufacturers must meet the demanding challenges of the medical industry and provide drilling, milling, threading, and turning solutions that operate at the highest level of precision. Here, we’ll explore micromachining, some of the tools and applications used in healthcare, and why manufacturing plays a vital role in this area.

While there are several medical-grade workpiece materials that can be used to engineer components, here are some of the most common types used.

• Stainless Steel: This corrosion- and heat-resistant and durable material is suitable for various medical devices including surgical instruments and orthopedic implants. It is biocompatible and can withstand sterilization processes.

• Titanium: Well-known for excellent biocompatibility, titanium is a corrosion-resistant, low-weight, and high-strength material. It can be used in orthopedic implants, dental implants, and more. Titanium is not magnetic.

• Cobalt-Chromium Alloys (Co-Cr-Mo): Highly biocompatible, cobalt and chromium alloys have a minimal risk of causing allergic reactions or adverse tissue responses. They offer high strength and are corrosion resistant. They can be used for medical implants including hip and joint replacements, cardiovascular stents, and dental prosthetics.

• PEEK (polyetheretherketone): Along with POM (Polyoxymethylene), PEI (Polyetherimide), and other medical grade plastics, PEEK offers lightweight, high strength, and durability. They are suitable for various applications, especially ones where weight and cost need to be minimized.

• Silicone and TPE: Used in various medical applications, silicones and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is ideal for developing tubing, seals, and prosthetics. This is due to its biocompatibility, flexibility, and resistance to both high and low temperatures. 

• Ceramics: Known for their biocompatibility, hardness, and resistance to wear, ceramics can be used for implants such as hip and knee joint replacements and several surgical instruments.

When it comes to machining the smallest of diameters for the most intricate parts, Kennametal engineers tooling systems that meet the highest requirements for health and safety. Some of our most innovative products include:

• KCS10B Turning and Grooving Inserts: Designed with a Hi-PIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) PVD coating, KSC10B reduces friction and delivers excellent surface finishes, long tool life and high process stability in Swiss style lathes

• KCU10B Turning and Grooving Inserts: Multilayer nano composite coating technology, comprised of three layers, is ideal for medical grade stainless steels and titanium materials

• KenDrill™ Micro: The first Kennametal microdrill for short and deep-hole applications featuring a versatile design that's capable of machining multiple materials, including medical grade stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome alloys

• HARVI™ IV End Mills: Features an 8-flute design and is capable of challenging cuts on high-temp alloys, stainless steels, steels, titanium and hardened materials

• HARVI™ III Aero Small Diameter Solid Carbide End Mills: For high feed roughing and finishing with maximum metal removal rates in stainless steels and titanium, featuring unequal flute spacing for chatter-free machining at highest feed rates

Micromachining has led to a shift in the manufacturing of medical components. It challenges how we design the tooling systems, measure accuracy and precision, and think about size as well as the materials used across several industries. It motivates innovation and explores new ways to provide a better future for healthcare delivery.

Microdrilling enables the construction of intricate microfluidic channels and chambers on a chip to help manipulate fluids at the micro-scale for controlled chemical analysis, drug testing, and medical diagnostics.