Precision Medical Machining for Small, Complex Parts at KT Tech

Medical device machining covers a range of requirements. Different medical applications call for different types of manufacturing processes, materials, tolerances, and inspection methods. 

At KT Tech, we have a long history of machining small and sometimes delicate parts used in medical applications such as catheter systems, stents, and delivery devices. We have built our operation around the equipment and expertise needed to manufacture these components with precision.

Our Specialized Medical Machining Capabilities

In medical machining, “small” can mean something different than it does in other industries. Here’s one way to think about it: Some of the medical micro parts we manufacture are comparable in size to chips created during cutting operations in industries like aerospace.

That size creates unique challenges. Features are smaller and the parts themselves may be more flexible or delicate. Advanced machines, naturally, are critical, and our Swiss and 5-axis machining services become more important than ever. But machines alone are not enough; every aspect of the machining process must be optimized.

Our tooling experience, for instance, becomes critical. Micro medical components require very small cutters and strict process control. In some industries, a 1/8-inch end mill may be considered small. For the type of miniature medical work KT Tech performs, that can be one of the larger tools we use.

Tight Tolerances Come With the Scale

Medical components often require tight tolerances because of their application, but part size also plays a major role in dictating tolerances. As parts become smaller, even a small amount of variation can represent a much larger percentage of the overall feature size. As a result, tolerance planning and process control are especially important at this scale.

Tight tolerance machining has to be incorporated into the process from the beginning. KT Tech carefully plans every aspect of our machining when we take a part on, including the tooling, workholding, machining strategy, and inspection methods needed to control small features accurately.

Material Expertise With Both Metals and Plastics

Many medical components are machined from stainless steel or titanium, both of which are common materials in the medical industry. KT Tech has extensive experience machining these materials for demanding applications.

Plastic machining is also an important part of our medical device work. In many cases, plastics can be especially challenging because dimensions may change after machining. Our experience with plastic machining helps us account for these changes in our process planning. While every material and part geometry behaves differently, our team understands the ways these materials tend to respond and uses that knowledge to improve consistency.

Vision-Based Inspection for Miniature Components

Inspection is also different when parts are extremely small or delicate. Traditional tools such as calipers and micrometers can sometimes distort or damage a part just by holding it.

We rely on vision-based inspection equipment for miniature medical components. Optical comparators can be useful for certain measurements, but when a part has many small features, they may become inefficient. Our advanced vision system allows us to measure complex features using camera-based inspection and software-driven measurement tools.

Partner With Medical Machining Experts

Medical device components require a manufacturing partner that understands the challenges of miniature machining. From tiny cutters and tight tolerances to challenging materials and vision-based inspection, KT Tech has the experience needed to support complex small-part medical projects.

Request a quote from our California machine shop for your next medical manufacturing project!