The medical sector is vital for the well-being and general good health for billions around the world. But, it's tough to create medical parts and devices. Part of the reasons that makes it so difficult is the entire process is quite complex, speed required to reach the market, and accuracy and precision of the machined part is vital for the success of the medical equipment's.

After selecting the materials to be used and evaluating the production design allowing you a certain degree of flexibility when it comes to the overall production process. Now, this is where low-volume manufacturing comes in; it provides designers and engineers at Nice Rapid to create parts quickly, consistently, and in an economical way.

What's even better, low volume manufacturing can be done using a wide variety of production methods ensuring swift movement in the creation of medical devices and parts from the prototype phase to mass production.

Customization of Low-Volume Manufacturing

The medical sector requires a certain degree of diversity and customization compared to other fields; this demand stems from the shorter life cycle of the prototypes and the evolution of technology, which requires health care providers to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of the medical industry.

Medical manufacturers have shifted from large scale production to low-volume manufacturing as the product cycle continues to shorten, provide time for marketing, and providing flexible innovations.

Low-volume can produce manufactured medical devices ranging from 100 to 100,000. With large scale production, there are high-risk and cost involved, but this is no the case with low-volume production.

There is a reduction of risk, shorten production time, provides a window for changing product design and its economical in the long-run. It comes with a myriad of benefits that is key for the success of the medical sector.

Manufacturing Methods Used in Low-Volume Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing

Its also commonly known as 3D printing, it's a suitable method when you need to evaluate designs with intricate and complex geometries faster. It's relatively cost-effective compared to the tooling process.

Additive manufacturing also makes it easy to point out flaws and make necessary changes to suit clients' needs.

CNC Machining

For this tooling process, it’s the complete opposite of additive manufacturing. Initially, it begins with a full block or part/object. The CNC machine tool begins to remove materials forming a part or product.

The machining process is mostly used at the beginning and end of a product life cycle. For the manufacturing of medical devices, CNC machining allows designers and engineers to test the functionality and part design parallel, thus significantly reducing the development phase allowing for the product to be perfected to pass FDA standards.

At the end of the machined part life cycle, CNC machining is economical in providing parts that cannot be found on the market.

Injection molding

It's one of the most popular methods of creating parts and products from silicone rubber, plastic, or metal. The whole process offers extreme precision, consistency, and reliable results; the only downside with injection molding is its expensive and provides no room for altering designs.

Low-volume manufacturing is an essential service to the medical field as it provides shorter runs, which are vital for the success of the product and approval from the FDA.