In a multitude of ways, machined plastics really are the unsung hero of numerous different industries – including many more than most people often realize.In a multitude of ways, machined plastics really are the unsung hero of numerous different industries – including many more than most people often realize. The aerospace industry regularly uses plastics machining and related components to create safer, more effective and more efficient aircraft. NASA even regularly uses these materials when they send brave men and women into space. Machined plastics are also a major factor contributing to keeping the rail industry in this country on track – literally in many instances. The list goes on and on.
But the one industry that people don’t tend to think too much about in terms of plastics machining is also the one on so many of our minds these days – healthcare. Over the years, plastics machining has been used as a core component in many of the lifesaving medical devices being used in healthcare facilities on a daily basis – and that is something that thankfully shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The Role of Plastics Machining in Medical Devices: Better Devices, Better Care, Better Outcomes
Perhaps the largest impact that medical CNC machining has had on medical devices has to do with the fact that these devices not only make it easier to design and manufacture devices like pacemakers and stents, but it enables professionals to do so under far stricter and more specific requirements, as well.
Because medical plastics can be used to effectively create smaller and more complicated components than ever before, that innovation is passed on to the device itself. So not only is something like a pacemaker getting more effective thanks to these materials, but they’re also contributing to dramatically reduced medical costs, too – savings that can then be passed onto the patients in a lot of cases. Due to the nature of the materials, they’re also great at helping to reduce the risk of infection to patients when undergoing these types of procedures – a point that is particularly relevant given the current global situation.
But medical plastics also have a dramatically longer lifespan than their metal counterparts, which also brings with it long-term benefits that other types of materials simply cannot provide. If someone needed a joint or hip replacement in the past, it was rarely ever a “one and done” procedure. Due to the limitations of the materials, they’d usually need to have the same surgery again every few years as components degrade – thus lowering their overall quality of life. And of course increasing the expense of the repeated procedures, and recovery care, and the physicians and health professionals all involved in the cycle.
With medical CNC machining, on the other hand, that simply isn’t as much of a concern anymore with things like implants. Companies are able to design medical devices that aren’t just more effective than their older counterparts, but that are designed to last longer as well. When you also consider the benefits that these innovative medical devices are usually A) smaller, B) less invasive and C) are far less likely to fail due to design innovations, you can begin to understand you are looking at something of a perfect storm in the best possible way.
It’s a given assertion that the healthcare and medical device industries in the United States are of paramount importance, and that they are both directly related to people leading longer, happier and healthier lives than ever. The amount of truly groundbreaking innovation taking place in these healthcare industries on a daily basis is incredible. At JMJ Profile, Inc. we’re honored to do our (small) part in making the impossible, possible for our customers. We strive to do whatever it takes to support these dedicated professionals while they in turn give their all to do the same for us, no exceptions.
If you would like to find out more information about the important use of medical CNC machining in medical device manufacturing, or if you have any additional questions you’d like to discuss with a plastics machining expert in more detail, please don’t delay – contact JMJ Profile today.