When it comes to manufacturing medical devices, it’s imperative for manufacturers to carefully choose the right types of metals to suit the ever-evolving industry needs. As the most trusted medical grade materials supplier in Houston, Texas, our experts at Banner Industries are going to review some of the key points that manufacturers should consider when choosing the right metals for medical devices.
The Importance of Choosing an Appropriate Metal in the Medical Sector
Not all metals are appropriate to provide the best treatment and patient care in the healthcare sector. So, for the very nature of the industry, it is crucial to choose a suitable metal for manufacturing specific devices and equipment. While there may be certain needs and considerations when manufacturing support equipment like prosthetics, there are entirely different requirements to manufacture surgical equipment like implants and instruments. Therefore, every single decision on the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of the metal depends on the end use and environment of the device.
Commonly Used Metals for Medical Devices
Several different metals can be used for manufacturing medical equipment and devices. However, the most common types of metals produced by medical grade material suppliers in Houston, Texas include the following:
- Aluminum
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Platinum
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
Aluminum
Aluminum is a readily usable metal for making medical aid devices. It is corrosion-resistant and hard-wearing to make bed frames, wheelchairs, IV stands, and more.
Cobalt
Cobalt Alloys, primarily Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum, for the manufacture of surgical implants include specifications that have been employed successfully in human implant applications due to their inherent strength and biocompatibility when in contact with soft tissue and bone. Primarily used in orthopedic and spinal applications.
Copper
Copper isn’t as strong as many other metals but is employed for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can also be used for dental treatments but not inside the body. In addition, over 400 copper alloys are FDA approved to prevent the transmission of viruses during surgeries.
Platinum
Platinum may be on the costlier side, yet it makes an ideal choice for manufacturing medical devices. It is highly malleable, safe, strong, corrosion-free, and an inert metal to make precision surgical equipment.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is undoubtedly one of the most used medical-grade materials available today. It is resistant to corrosion, nontoxic in nature, and highly durable. Besides, it is a sterile metal that doesn’t cause contamination. Primarily used for instruments, you can manufacture surgical drills, reamers, forceps, tweezers, and even intravascular stents with high-quality stainless steel from a medical grade materials supplier in Houston, Texas.
Titanium
Titanium is biocompatible and is less likely to lead to infections in the body than other materials. It is flexible, has excellent tensile strength, and is the ideal metal for surgical equipment like needles, and pacemakers, and for dental, orthopedic, and spinal implants.
Things to Keep In Mind
As you know, when choosing a metal for your unique medical equipment manufacturing applications, there are several important factors. The machinability, formability, hardness, and surface finish of the metal are just some of the factors that impact your final decision.
Apart from that, most of the metals mentioned above are readily available from specialist metals companies since they are in great demand for medical equipment manufacturing. If you are looking for a medical grade materials supplier in Houston, Texas that can get you the materials you need quickly, Banner Industries is the company to call.
Looking for a Medical Grade Materials Supplier in Houston, Texas?
Medical-grade materials are very different from those deployed in other sectors. As a manufacturer, it is crucial that you work with a supplier that understands your specifications and has the capabilities to help you complete your project seamlessly. If you are looking for a medical-grade materials supplier in Houston, Texas that can fill this role, look no further than Banner Industries.
We can customize your metals to exhibit the specific properties you desire, which can be altered even further with our many value-added processing capabilities. Contact us today at (800) 950-3562 to discuss your project.