Medical Work is Within Reach

Medical parts production is a demanding business that requires strict control of machining processes. Specifications for tolerances and finish quality, along with meeting the necessary ISO certification standards, are beyond the current scope of many shops. Yet the need for this type of work continues to grow. A shop should not be intimidated away from this market, but rather should consider the necessary steps to make it a legitimate part of its business.

If you’re debating whether or not to pursue work in medical parts production, read “Are You Medical OEM Material?” In this article, a principal engineer for research and development at Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.—one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medical devices for open and minimally invasive surgical procedures—reveals that company’s supplier selection criteria. While the quality that stems from solid processes, business practices and culture is of utmost importance, don’t underestimate the significance of making your capabilities known.

For examples of both transitioning an existing shop to medical work and of starting a medical shop from scratch, check out “Medical Machining is in the Genes.” The article looks at a mother and son team that took one company from the manufacture of components for the energy and computer industries to making medical parts. After that company eventually morphed into a full medical device OEM, the family sold it and later created a new medical parts manufacturing company.