Medical parts, especially the processing of orthopedic implants and prostheses, are a major growth point in the processing of small parts. By 2050, the number of people over the age of 65 in the world will triple that of the current population, and this group will account for the largest market share of implants.
The medical device industry shows a dynamic growth trend and has become an important channel for tool growth. This increase is based on the increase in life expectancy of Western and Asian populations. The implantation of surgical plastics into the market has also promoted the continued growth of the medical device industry. Manufacturers also continue to look for better turning centers and tools to improve their competitive advantage.
Processing requirements of medical equipment
Processing equipment needs to be able to process small and complex parts made of difficult-to-machine materials (such as titanium alloys or stainless steel) that require high precision. The replacement of bones and joints is also quite complicated. Due to the poor cutting performance of the material being processed, the blank is usually bar stock, which means that a large amount of metal needs to be removed. Therefore, a part of the parts is cast into a shape close to the finished product, but this also increases the trouble-the need to manufacture complex and expensive fixtures.
Another factor that increases processing complexity is the tolerance range?-. This undoubtedly promoted the development of processing technology and solutions to improve the competitiveness and production efficiency of SMEs in processing medical devices. Advanced turning tools, combined with the most cutting-edge alloy grades, innovative geometric shapes and chip flute design, ensure that complex shapes are processed while ensuring tolerance ranges.
90% of the implanted parts of medical instruments are made of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy. Although stainless steel is also used, the strength and weight ratio of titanium alloy and the adhesion of body fat are better, making surgeons more willing to choose implants of titanium alloy materials. Due to light weight, high strength and high biocompatibility, the titanium alloy 6AL-4V has become the most commonly used material for medical implant devices. Titanium alloy implants are not inconsistent with MRI and computed tomography imaging, and do not interfere with related operations. Titanium alloy 6AL-4V is commonly used in the manufacture of hip joints, bone screws, knee joints, bone plates, dental implants, and spine connecting elements. Although in recent years, the application of cobalt and chromium alloys has also increased.
Compared with processed steel, the cutting force for processing titanium alloy is higher. Under the condition of the same hardness, the metallurgical properties of the titanium alloy make its metal machinability worse. Compared with the common processing of ferrous alloys and aluminum alloys, the processing of titanium alloys is more difficult. It is assumed to be stainless steel, but the chip is relatively stronger, and it is easier to break the tool when entering and retracting. It is recommended to use PVD-coated IC908-IC907-IC1008 in high-speed cutting to avoid tool overheating.