• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down

    Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread

    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million

    Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products

    Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

    The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

    Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

    Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

    Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    K-Tube Technologies

    Unicep

    maxon

    Medbio LLC

    Medicoil
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain

    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year

    Preparing Your Design Controls for FDA Approval

    A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    maxon

    Spectrum Plastics Group

    Medicoil

    Concise Engineering
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Stock vs. Custom Springs for Medtech

    A review of the pros and cons for medical equipment designers.

    Stock vs. Custom Springs for Medtech
    Related CONTENT
    • Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    • Are you prepared for EUDAMED actor registration module? Let’s get started
    • Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    • Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    • Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products
    Edward Jones, Marketing Manager, John Evans’ Sons10.08.20
    Sourcing the right mechanical components for your medical device can have a dramatic effect on the quality of the final product. As you try to find the right balance between cost and quality, you will likely find yourself trying to decide between custom and stock springs. Although this may seem like a minute decision at first glance, it can often prove to be a differentiator between meeting customer expectations and not. So, evaluating the pros and cons of each choice is important.

    How to Choose a Spring for a Medical Device
    As you are sourcing your springs, it is helpful to have clear goals and expectations about what your chosen component will be able to provide. Many factors can influence your priorities. However, four elements are important for almost all medical equipment designers: quality, use, environment, and cost.

    Quality: Unsurprisingly, finding a sufficiently high-quality part is essential. In medical devices, this is especially important because part failure could have significant consequences for the end user. Spring material will have an influence on the quality. For both stock and custom springs, quality usually impacts durability and performance for your medical device.

    Use: Different device applications call for different types of springs. Your device may require compression, torsion, power or spiral torsion springs, or some combination. Furthermore, the application of the device may have an impact on the quality requirements. For example, a spring-loaded dust cover is likely less critical than a vibration isolator on an imaging device.

    Environment: Also consider the environment in which the device will be used. For many medical devices, the environment is relatively sterile. However, factors such as temperature, exposure, humidity, and corrosiveness can impact the spring you may require.

    Cost: Finally, the cost is always an important consideration when designing a component. It often relates closely to the above factors (high-quality, robust, specialty springs are typically expensive). Costs for components can often be brought down by buying in bulk.

    Plus, an expensive but effective device is usually preferable to the alternative in medical device manufacturing. Nonetheless, this is an essential factor to consider.

    Keeping these considerations in mind, you can begin to evaluate the specific pros and cons of stock vs. custom springs. The right choice can help you to design a better device.

    Benefits of Stock Springs
    For medical equipment designers, ordering from stock can offer some substantial advantages. These are especially significant for non-critical components. However, in many cases, even critical elements of the device can be designed to use stock parts.

    Cost-Effective: In a lot of cases, stock components benefit from economies of scale. Since they are already produced in bulk, the cost per unit is usually relatively low. If you can find one that satisfies your requirements, this may be the right choice.

    Readily Available: By the same token, these springs are already being produced; therefore, they are available almost immediately. There is no lead time necessary for design or tooling. Instead, they can be shipped and delivered exactly as needed. This is ideal for designers on a tight production timeline.

    May Be Easier to Use in Design: In some cases, it is easier to design around a component that already exists. You can get specifications from the manufacturer on tolerances and load capacity. Additionally, you can know the exact size in advance.

    Drawbacks of Stock Springs
    Of course, there are a few significant drawbacks to using stock.

    The most significant issue is the part may not meet the exact specifications necessary for the device, especially if it’s proprietary or hasn’t gone to market. It is often better to order a custom part than to try to work around an imperfect stock spring. It may actually save you time and money.

    Additionally, the quality may not always be up to par. If you need very specific tolerances, it may be better to work directly with a manufacturer to ensure ideal production quality. You also risk sourcing components from several sources, all of which may have different quality standards.

    Benefits of Custom Springs
    Custom springs and assemblies can offer a solution made specifically for your device. For medical equipment designers, using custom-designed springs may be ideal for critical applications. Following are several benefits.

    More Design Options: You don’t have to settle for a spring from the parts bin. Instead, custom designing your spring(s) along with the manufacturer gives you a chance to set your own specifications. For medical devices, this can sometimes be the difference between achieving the desired functionality and having to redesign.

    Higher Quality Standards: If you work with a custom spring manufacturer, you can set your own quality specifications and tolerances. For any device that needs perfectly machined parts, this may be the preferable option.

    Perfect Fit: Many medical devices require precision and intricate mechanical functions. The right fit can be important in these cases. Custom springs are designed to fit and mount to your device, leading to minimal prototype revisions.

    Drawbacks of Custom Springs
    Although the custom manufacturing route has many benefits, it isn’t always the right choice. It is typically more expensive than using stock springs on a per-unit basis. Although, ordering in bulk can achieve near-parity in terms of cost.

    Additionally, any custom part will take more time to produce. It needs to be designed, prototyped, and tested before tooling can even begin for production. Therefore, if the need is urgent, it may make more sense to opt for a stock alternative.

    Considerations for Medical Equipment Designers
    Overall, if a stock spring meets your requirements, it may be a better solution for your device. However, there is no guarantee that stock components will meet your needs. Consider other factors besides cost. The upfront cost may be more expensive with custom solutions, but you may save more money in the long run.

    As you make your decision, balance the aforementioned consideration factors. If you are sourcing for a critical or intricate application, ask for quotes from custom spring manufacturers. This information can help you to make a better-informed decision.


    Edward Jones is the marketing manager of John Evans’ Sons, the international designer and manufacturer of constant force springs, spring reels, spring sub-assemblies, and other mechanical components for a number of industries, including medical devices. John Evans’ Sons is ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certified.
    Related Searches
    • Materials
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Materials
    Suggested For You
    Medtech Matters: Medtronic Medtech Matters: Medtronic's Robotic Surgery Status
    Medtech Makers: Material Science for Micromolding Medtech Makers: Material Science for Micromolding
    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Are you prepared for EUDAMED actor registration module? Let’s get started Are you prepared for EUDAMED actor registration module? Let’s get started
    Data Show Porex Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products
    Boston Scientific Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    TPI Partners with Zeiss TPI Partners with Zeiss
    Neurent Medical Closes $25 Million Series B Financing Neurent Medical Closes $25 Million Series B Financing
    FDA OKs Canon Medical FDA OKs Canon Medical's AI-Powered, 90cm Bore CT
    Eitan Medical Receives FDA Clearance for Sapphire Infusion System Eitan Medical Receives FDA Clearance for Sapphire Infusion System
    Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial
    CHF Solutions Appoints CEO CHF Solutions Appoints CEO
    Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation Cognito Therapeutics’ Lead Product Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Materials
      Setting the Standard: Protective Nanocoatings for Today

      Setting the Standard: Protective Nanocoatings for Today's Medtech

      Ensuring medical products are safe from the outside environment is a significant challenge that nanocoatings can help resolve.
      Zsolt Pulai, EVP, Technology & Development, HZO Inc. 12.02.20

    • Materials
      New Materials Impact the Medical Technology Outsourcing Market

      New Materials Impact the Medical Technology Outsourcing Market

      How UHMWPE fiber is driving innovation in a quickly expanding sector.
      Abey Paul, Global Business Leader for Honeywell 06.02.20

    • Materials
      Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis: Best Practices in PPE Development and FDA Review

      Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis: Best Practices in PPE Development and FDA Review

      How a supply partner can help a non-traditional medtech manufacturer navigate the regulatory process successfully.
      Lise H. Moloney, Director of Business Development—Healthcare, Sciessent 05.18.20


    • Materials
      Plastics and Medtech: Annual Industry Survey Results

      Plastics and Medtech: Annual Industry Survey Results

      Medical device manufacturers prefer domestic plastics manufacturing and many use thermoforming on a project.
      Jason Middleton, Vice President of Sales & Development, Ray Products 04.24.20

    • Electronics | Materials
      Ultra-Thin Base Materials Take PCB Miniaturization to the Next Level

      Ultra-Thin Base Materials Take PCB Miniaturization to the Next Level

      Flexible and rigid ultra-thin base materials enable highly reliable, thinner PCBs.
      Daniel Schulze, Engineering Manager at Dyconex 02.07.20

    • Materials
      Advancing Infection Prevention Tools

      Advancing Infection Prevention Tools

      The applications and benefits of porous polymer materials and components.
      Jack Chan, Global Marketing Director, Porex 01.17.20


    • Materials
      Avoiding Problems While Collaborating in the Medical Textile Industry

      Avoiding Problems While Collaborating in the Medical Textile Industry

      When to include or exclude an inventor from a patent application.
      Mareesa Frederick and Courtney Bolin, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP 12.19.19

    • Materials
      Understanding Key Processes for Mixing APIs with Silicone

      Understanding Key Processes for Mixing APIs with Silicone

      The pros and cons of drug delivery and device enhancement.
      Andrew Gaillard, Healthcare & Medical Segment Manager, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions 12.05.19

    • Materials
      Novel Polymers for Sustained Release: Trends Impacting the Drug Delivery Market

      Novel Polymers for Sustained Release: Trends Impacting the Drug Delivery Market

      An interview with ProMed Pharma's director of pharma services James Arps analyzes the diverse drug delivery/combination products market.
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 11.15.19


    • Materials
      5 Questions for Scapa Healthcare at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for Scapa Healthcare at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Formulation development, adhesive coating, filling, converting, printing, and packaging for skin-contact adhesive and skin care topical solutions.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19

    • Materials
      5 Questions for NuSil Technology at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for NuSil Technology at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Celebrating 40 years of high purity materials for medical devices.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19

    • Materials
      5 Questions for Elkem Silicones at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for Elkem Silicones at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Range of implant-grade silicones, comprised of injectable and extrudable silicone rubbers, as well as adhesives.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19


    • Materials
      5 Questions for DSM at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for DSM at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Material solutions for cardiology, soft tissue repair, wound care, diabetes, cellular therapies, and orthopedics applications.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19

    • Materials
      5 Questions for Saint-Gobain Life Sciences at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for Saint-Gobain Life Sciences at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Filtration technologies and custom-developed, purpose-built, filtration-based solutions.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19

    • Materials | Molding | Packaging & Sterilization
      5 Questions for Colorite at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      5 Questions for Colorite at Medica/CompaMed 2019

      Thermoplastic elastomer compound line for a wide variety of uses in medical devices and packaging.
      Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief 11.15.19


    Trending
    • Portable, Home-Use Device Quickly Measures Inflammation Levels
    • Masimo Earns CE Mark For New Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
    • TPI Partners With Zeiss
    • Top 10 Trends In The Medical Device And Equipment Industry
    • Understanding Food-Grade Vs. Biocompatibility For Medical Device Materials
    Breaking News
    • Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    • Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    • Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    • Henry Schein Buys Majority Interest in Prism Medical Products
    • Boston Scientific's Vercise Genus DBS Earns FDA Approval
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    • The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    • The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet
    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market
    Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    LINE-X Launches Dealer Program with International Truck
    PPG Reports Q4, Full-year 2020 Financial Results
    BASF Begins Implementing Ralignment of Global Business Services Unit
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Pfizer, BioNTech Enter Vax Pact with COVAX
    FDA Approves Janssen’s CABENUVA
    AGC Biologics Appoints Boulder Site GM
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Coty Appoints Chief Procurement Officer
    Lageen Tubes Launches Mono-Material PE Tube Solutions
    Jason Jones Loses Battle with Covid-19
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Carol’s Daughter Adds New Hair Products
    Moroccan Gold Series Launches NuDo Shampoo
    Youbody Debuts Waterless Body Wash
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    BOBST Demonstrates Future of Flexible Packaging Production at Virtual Open House
    Morancé Soudure France Adds Comexi F2 MC 10-color Flexo Press
    AR Packaging Acquiring Firstan Holdings Ltd
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Gallus planning virtual event for March
    Lemu Group engineers mask-making machine
    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Freudenberg to Establish Apparel Interlining Competence Centers
    Minet Adds Spunlace Line in Romania
    Lemu Group Engineers Mask-Making Machine
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Conformis Enters Development & Supply Agreement with SITES Medical
    Sectra, RSA Biomedical Sign Distribution Agreement for Implant Stability Tool
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Ambiq Wins IoT Semiconductor Company of the Year Award
    Ynvisible Names Michael Robinson CEO, Jani-Mikael Kuusisto SVP Ventures

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login