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Aerospace Machining VS Medical Machining

October 25, 2021

Introduction

Machining is an essential part of the manufacturing industry, where raw materials are transformed into finished goods using various techniques. With the advancements in technology over the years, different industries have adopted unique machining methods adapted to fit their operations. This blog post aims to compare and contrast the manufacturing techniques employed in the aerospace and medical industries.

Aerospace Machining

Aerospace machining is a very demanding and technical field, where the slightest mistake can lead to catastrophic results. As such, aerospace components require a high level of precision and are produced in low quantities compared to other industries. Most aerospace manufacturers use Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, which use pre-programmed software to control various tools and machinery to create accurate and intricate aerospace parts. The aerospace industry also requires a variety of metals and composites to manufacture aircraft parts, which require special machinery equipped with high-temperature and high-pressure cutting tools.

Medical Machining

Medical machining is a rapidly growing industry that involves the production of medical devices and implants in large quantities. Medical machining techniques are used to create intricate parts and designs that can be used in surgical procedures, devices, and implants. Medical manufacturing involves a wide range of materials such as plastic, alloy, and titanium used to create devices such as joint implants, dental equipment, and coronary stents, among others. Medical machining technologies are known for their high accuracy, precision, and repeatability achieved through specialized computer-controlled machines.

Comparison

  • Process: While both industries use CNC machines to produce machining parts, aerospace machining has more complex programming and requires specialized machines due to the nature of materials used in the industry. Medical machining requires less power and stability, but still needs high accuracy and precision.

  • Materials: Aerospace machining primarily uses metals and composites, whereas medical machining is associated more with plastic, alloy, and titanium. This difference is significant as the physical properties of each material type will require a different machining process for each.

  • Volume: Aerospace parts are produced in low quantities due to the complexity of manufacturing and the high number of intricate parts. Medical parts, on the other hand, are manufactured in large quantities, making precision and repeatability paramount.

Ultimately, industries using specialized machining technology have unique specifications and requirements. While there are some similarities, each industry has its own distinct needs and methods that must be tailored to create the best quality products.

References

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