MIM Grows with Medical Markets
The medical device industry includes:
- Surgical and medical instruments ($35 billion)
- Surgical appliances and supplies ($65 billion)
- Electro-medical equipment ($15 billion)
- Implants ($24 billion)
Not surprisingly, the need for precise, durable, and dependable devices often leads to Metal Injection Molding (MIM) manufacturers. The MIM process is particularly adept at producing small, complex parts in high volumes and at lower cost than traditional casting or stamping methods. It was this advantage that first attracted Advanced Forming Technologies (AFT) to the medical device market in the 1980's.
According to AFT Sales Manager, David Smith, "We started out manufacturing orthodontic braces, and by the early 90's, had graduated to endoscopic surgical components."
"The common denominator is that both are small and complex in shape, which plays to our strength in MIM," said Smith. "For example, MIM is perfect for making the endoscopic staples needed to close off the stomach and intestine before making a surgical cut."
While still a world leader in producing endoscopic devices, AFT has since added other types of medical devices, including graspers, surgical scissors, and biopsy jaws, which need to be small and sharp enough to cut and tear out a small piece of tissue for a biopsy exam.
"These are all devices for external use," Smith said. "We're also investigating the manufacture of several kinds of implants, including:
- Reconstructive orthopedic knees and fingers
- Hip, shoulder and spinal implants
- Implantable spinal cord stimulators
- Implantable drug pumps and neurological stimulators
- Cochlear implants and hearing aids
An aging population, combined with product advances and changing patient care strategies, are expected to propel this market forward with at least an 11% growth rate." Smith said AFT will be ready. "AFT employs its own staff of metallurgists, which provides us with the expertise to work not only with implantable grade materials such as cobalt chrome, titanium, and 316L stainless steel, but to produce more exotic materials like nitinol. We're also able to mix custom compounds and develop our own specialty materials."
For more information on AFT products, contact the experts at 303-833-6000 or visit www.pcc-aft.com. |
