Aerospace and 5-axis Program Manager
For 2025, there are tremendous opportunities for using the latest CNCs and
related technology to service the changing medical device and equipment
industry. With more customized joint replacements that fit the patient’s
body more precisely, a retooling of medical device production is now becoming
necessary.
Because the industry is moving away from using generic joint replacements,
where a patient’s bone structure was altered to suit the device, and
moving towards using custom replacement joints via scanning technology,
medical device producers must also change their manufacturing operations. The
process must now entail a mix of additive manufacturing, CNC machining and
accurate CNC part programming to adjust to this bespoke joint replacement.
The Importance of CNCs in Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing has been a game changer for the medical device
production industry. The ability to effectively produce highly engineered
metal components through processes like laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) on
metal additive machines has been fundamental to fuel the medical device
replacement production and procedure advances.
However, more than just 3D printing is necessary to make the production
process successful. CNC machining is still important to achieving the tight
tolerances, necessary polished surface finish, and accuracy needed for the
customized metal joint. The key to this hybrid approach is using the new CNC
technology and solutions available.
Machine tools that have powerful controls with advanced functions for optimal
5-axis tool paths can significantly help medical device producers get the most
out of their 5-axis machining. While it’s possible to do the required
5-axis machining with legacy controls or functions, the workflow is
significantly simplified with modern CNC functionality.
CAM Programming and the CNC
An integrated software solution for CAM programming and machine controls must
be in place before any advanced CNC machining can occur. The CAM system
determines the required tool path and approximates it with a sequence of
points. The post processor translates those points to a specific machine and
CNC application. Tools that help set up posts for optimal functionality can
simplify this process. For instance, FANUC’s advanced functions like
Workpiece Setting Error Compensation (G54.4) and Tool Center Point
(G43.4/G43.5) can eliminate complex math from post processors and create part
programs that are machine independent. Thereby programming parts, not
machines, the same part can be run on multiple machines even those with
mechanical differences.
Additionally, FANUC’s CNC GUIDE 2 and Surface Estimation Tool replicates
real-world surface finish results in digital simulations to accurately check
not only the part shape, but also machining quality level. Prior to any
real-world cutting, the software precisely estimates a part’s machined
surface by using the position data of each axis then simulating the cutting to
detect machining issues. Knowing this before cutting helps avoid wasting
valuable time and materials that otherwise might be produced with marks or
other surface defects.
Key Takeaways
The outlook for medical device production in 2025 is exciting with
technological advancements coming together creating phenomenal industry
changes. However, the CNC is still as important to medical device production
as it was years ago. Keeping up with the latest CNC technology and CAM
solutions promises to be even more important going forward. Don’t let
that become your production pitfall to evolving with the industry.