Medical device manufacturers play a critical role in the healthcare industry as they tirelessly develop innovative solutions to improve patient care. These medical device manufacturers are always in need of producing parts that can be used in the medical industry. However, these manufacturers mostly face a dilemma: whether to use CNC machining or medical injection molding for parts manufacturing.
While both of these methods have their own pros and cons, you need to choose the right method as per your manufacturing requirements to get the best results.
What Are CNC Machining and Injection Molding and Their Advantages
Both CNC machining and medical injection molding have different working processes, and both of these manufacturing methods offer various advantages. Let's look at them one by one.
CNC Machining
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a manufacturing process that utilizes computer-controlled machines to shape and form parts from various materials. The computer-controlled device removes material from a solid block, using cutting tools such as drills, mills, or lathes to achieve the desired shape and dimensions.
Using CNC machining comes up with the following benefits:
- Parts with tight tolerances and intricate details.
- Wide-ranging materials are available, thus providing you with more manufacturing options.
- Ability to change the design requirements quickly by modifying the computer program.
- Reduces the risks of human errors
Injection Molding
Medical injection molding is a manufacturing process in which molten material is injected into a mold cavity under high pressure. The material then cools and solidifies, taking the shape of the mold.
Here are the advantages of medical Injection Molding:
- This method is mostly employed for bulk production.
- Injection molding does not require working with computer technicalities.
- Injection molding is a cost-effective method compared to CNC manufacturing.
- You may not spend resources on the post-processing of parts.
Applications of CNC Machining and Injection Molding in Medical Manufacturing
Here are how both of these manufacturing methods can be used in the medical industry.
CNC Machining
CNC machining has found extensive applications in the medical manufacturing sector, catering to a wide range of medical devices and components. Some notable examples include:
- Components for healthcare electronics, including components for important healthcare devices like MRI, X-ray, and ECG machines.
- Enclosures and Housings of different medical equipment like knobs, livers, and monitors.
Injection Molding
Medical Injection molding has become a go-to method for medical device manufacturers due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to produce high volumes of consistent parts. Some key applications of injection molding in the medical field include:
- Disposable medical devices
- Housing and enclosures for medical equipment
- Some implant components
- Drug delivery system components
Factors for Choosing Between CNC Machining and Injection Molding
In this CNC vs. injection molding debate, it’s important to consider the factors that can make your decision process easier.
- The Complexity of the Part
The complexity of the part being manufactured is a vital factor in determining the most suitable manufacturing method. CNC machining excels in producing intricate and complex geometries with high precision. On the other hand, injection molding is better suited for producing parts with simpler designs and larger volumes.
- Quantity and Production Volume
As injection molding is an easier process technically, it is used for bulk production orders. On the other hand, CNC machining service is well-suited for low to medium production volumes, where each part may require individual machining and finishing. It is particularly useful for prototyping, small-batch production, and customized parts.
- Material Requirements
The specific material requirements of the medical device parts are one of the most important decisions to consider when choosing the best manufacturing method. Injection molding is specifically used to manufacture parts from plastic. On the other hand, CNC machining parts can be manufactured with the help of some other important materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, and Nylon.
- Lead Time
Lead time is the time required from the beginning of production to its completion. CNC machining typically offers shorter lead times compared to injection molding.
HordRT Recommendation
HordRT provides state-of-the-art CNC machining and medical injection molding services that will solve all of your manufacturing needs. Here is why choosing HordRT will be the best decision you make for manufacturing parts.
Benefits of HordRT’s CNC Machining Service
- Availability of wide-ranging materials, including magnesium, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, and high-quality engineering-grade plastics.
- Fast turnaround service at an economical cost with a standard delivery time of 1-2 weeks and lead times of 2-5 business days.
- Ability to hold tight tolerances
- Ability to demonstrate scalability and repeatability with scalable volumes ranging from one piece to 100,000 units.
- Various types of CNC machining finishes
- Strict quality control
Benefits of HordRT's Plastic Injection Molding Service
- Highly efficient and fast production turnaround
- Wide range of available materials, including Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and the ability to use multiple plastic materials simultaneously.
- Ability to scale the production.
- Highly economical
Wrapping Up
HordRT stands out in the manufacturing industry with its array of distinctive characteristics that set it apart from the competition. We are famous for our fast delivery, premium customer service, and exceptional quality parameters. Our customer-centric approach showcases their commitment to meeting diverse manufacturing needs.
