C Arm Xrays
Birthing Beds
Infant Warmers
Neo Natal
Operating Room Lights
Surgical Robotics
We’ve been supplying Medical Grade castings to the Medical industry for over 50 years.
A large percentage of our customers are associated with the medical industry. From Xray equipment to infant warmers to birthing beds to operating room lighting to large bases to medical devices of all kinds, we know exactly what is expected concerning Medical Grade Castings.
Top 3 Critical Concerns for Medical Equipment Casting:
Certified metal: Many of the castings we pour are structural in nature, and support either pressure or weight. Metal specs are critical. These castings cannot fail in the field. We pour test chips to insure a solid casting and clean metal. We also provide test bars, insuring tensile, yield, and elongation of each pour.
Tolerances: The medical industry demands very tight tolerances achieved during machining. They go through very stringent sampling (PAPP) to ensure their designs, and then confirm the tolerances from which we cannot deviate.
Cosmetics: A large percentage of the castings we supply require paint or powder coat. Several years ago, we partnered with a major powder supplier. We developed an ‘outgassing free’ powder specifically for our castings. This powder also has a special nylon additive that makes it very resistant to scratches and dings, This factor allows us to have the raw casting coated prior to machining. This eliminates costly masking associated with coating after machining.
We work with all of the major medical companies all over the world. From the very small castings weighing only ounces to the very large Xray castings weighing close to 100 pounds, each casting leaves our plant as a Medical Grade certified casting.
Get in touch with one of our engineers and talk to them about your project. Our engineers have over 100 years of combined experience with castings, machining, and secondaries.
Aluminum Alloys for Medical Grade Castings
356 Alloy
For medical-grade uses, where biocompatibility and corrosion resistance are a factor, 356 alloy is typically the best option due to its balance of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, each specific application might have unique requirements:
1. Biocompatibility: Ensure the alloy meets biocompatibility standards if it will be in direct contact with the body. This often requires additional certifications and testing.
2. Corrosion Resistance: For components exposed to bodily fluids or frequent sterilization, alloys with superior corrosion resistance or those that can be treated for enhanced resistance are preferred.
If direct contact with biological systems is required, consulting with a materials scientist or specialist in medical device materials is recommended to ensure compliance with medical standards and to explore further treatments or coatings that may be needed.
356 Alloy
- Strength and Durability: Offers a good balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
- Machinability: Easily machinable, which is important for precise medical components.
- Corrosion Resistance: Adequate for many medical environments, though it might need additional coatings or treatments depending on the application.
• Castability: Excellent for complex shapes, which might be useful for intricate medical devices.
• Strength and Corrosion Resistance: Good, but generally not as high as some specialized alloys.
• Biocompatibility: Not specifically designed for medical applications, so it may require additional treatment or certification.
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent, which is critical for medical devices exposed to bodily fluids or harsh sterilization processes.
• Strength: High strength, making it suitable for durable medical components.
• Biocompatibility: Generally not used in direct contact with biological systems without further treatment.
• Enhanced Mechanical Properties: Provides better strength and ductility compared to standard 319, which can be beneficial for high-stress medical components.
• Biocompatibility: Similar to 319, it may need additional processing to ensure biocompatibility.
• Strength and Dimensional Stability: High strength and good dimensional stability are beneficial for precise medical components.
• Machinability: Allows for detailed and accurate machining, which is important for complex medical devices.
• Corrosion Resistance: Moderate, may require additional coatings or treatments.
