It’s no secret that we excel at manufacturing complex parts. But we do more than reliably machine the kinds of parts that keep our customers up at night. We also work with challenging materials that other contract manufacturing companies try their best to avoid: materials like hardened stainless steel, hardened steel, and—one of our personal favorites—titanium.
We have many customers in the medical industry, so we machine titanium medical components regularly. Known for its strength, durability, biocompatibility, and lightweight properties, titanium is commonly used for parts that end up inside the human body.
But the same characteristics that make titanium ideal for medical applications also make it exceptionally difficult to machine. The materials used in titanium alloys are prone to issues like work hardening, springback, and chatter, which can compromise the integrity of a part.
At Reata Engineering, we know what it takes to source, machine, assemble, and finish even the most intricate and complex titanium medical components. Here’s how we get the job done for our customers.
5 Reasons We Excel at Manufacturing Titanium Medical Components
Strategic sourcing
We source titanium from well-vetted partners, often relying on separate vendors for bar stock and plate to ensure the highest quality materials. Our sourcing partners provide full traceability, including material certifications to prove that the titanium we’re using has the right specifications.
Efficient processes
We offer an expansive range of services ideal for manufacturing titanium medical components.
Our 5-axis machining capabilities allow us to consolidate operations so we can be more productive while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
We use solid carbide tooling, titanium specific coatings, corner radii end mills, and through coolant drills to mitigate material stickiness and work hardening. Maintaining a high-efficiency tool path with increased minimum interior corner radii helps us spread heat across the length of a tool, while minimizing radial engagement as much as possible.
For medical components with exceptionally complex features, we rely on a trusted vendor for waterjet cutting. Waterjet cutting is an efficient process that saves time and money on intricate parts.
Expert assembly
Welding titanium medical components during assembly requires a high level of skill that not all welders possess. Titanium welders must be able to efficiently produce small, intricate, and precise welds that cover all gaps so there’s no risk of contaminants becoming trapped in a part.
We work with a certified welder who specializes in both laser welding and TIG welding for titanium medical components.
Seamless project management
We rely on a strong group of partners for services like welding, laser engraving, and titanium passivation. We hold our vendors to high standards for quality, cosmetic appearance, and turnaround time, project managing the entire process so our customers never even have to think about it.
Comprehensive quality assurance
Medical components are often made up of multiple subassemblies that have been welded and fastened together. Each individual part must have documentation proving that it satisfies all critical requirements.
Our ISO9001 and AS 9100 certification ensures that we have comprehensive documentation processes in place to ensure the highest level of quality for each part.
Don’t rely on just any contract manufacturing company for your titanium medical components. Request a quote today and let us take on your machining challenge!
Want to learn more about our experience machining titanium medical components? Read our case study on the TITAN CSR™ Retractor System, a life-saving device we recently made that holds patients open during surgery.