Since the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has been a major enabler to facilitate innovation in the field of medicine. Whether we talk about bots that can remotely perform accurate diagnoses or 3D printers supplementing ventilator manufacturing to combat the shortage - there is hardly any segment that has been untouched by these developments.
 
As a result, many hobbyists and professionals brought out their mini milling machines to contribute in every way possible. Similarly, small to large-scale workshops also started lending a hand in the upward trend.
 
Against this background, let us take a look at the many ways in which metal fabrication powered by CNC machines has come to the rescue of the innovation of medical devices.
 
Wearable Technology
One of the most obvious innovations in medicine, led by metal fabrication, has been through the widespread adoption and proliferation of smart, wearable devices.
 
So, whether you are counting your steps using a Fitbit or calculating the calories burnt using your Apple Watch, you are using terminal devices that are a product of metal fabrication. These devices can effectively capture vitals and metrics like heart rate, blood sugar levels, activity levels, etc.
 
Further, the wireless connectivity enjoyed by these wearable devices plays a clinching role in remotely monitoring the health and wellness of an individual. Even in this regard, the tiny antennae installed in these devices are a result of metal fabrication.
 
Drones
Healthcare accessibility has been a difficult mountain to scale. Whether the obstacles may present themselves in the form of rough terrain or difficulty in maintaining optimal conditions for the transportation of medicines, unmanned aerial vehicles can prove to be an effective solution in closing the last mile delivery gap.
 
Drones have been particularly helpful in developing countries, such as India, Ghana, and Rwanda, where they can help maintain a stock of medical supplies. In recent years, drones have managed to prove their use for more advanced functions, such as healthcare logistics for transferring organs between two locations, contact tracing for public space monitoring and even aerial disinfection.
 
Thanks to metal fabrication via milling machines, such drones can be manufactured easily.
 
Surgical Bots
Surgical bots, from AESOP to the da Vinci Surgical System, can assist in operating theatres and increase the success rates of surgeries with its promise of precision despite the complexities. Such AI-driven robots have been a blessing in the past few years as the medical industry experiences an acute shortage of skilled surgeons and staff members.
 
In fact, it is only a matter of time until autonomous bots become a common occurrence for performing minimally invasive surgeries. They can form teams of master-slave bots that can perform a range of actions and collaborate to perform robotic surgeries.
 
In addition to the surgical bots, metal fabrication has also helped in the evolution of drug delivery capsule robots. These are miniature endoscopes that gain motility through magnetic fields, thereby offering it uninterrupted access and freedom of movement throughout the body. And since it performs highly targeted actions, it is less likely to damage tissues.
 
Prosthetics and Exoskeleton
As we make headways in the design and fabrication of advanced prosthetics and exoskeletons, our dependence on metal fabrication increases to reach the intersection between human functioning and robotics.
 
Advanced prosthetics aid people in recovering from limited mobility or lost limbs. They go beyond replacing the limb and attempt to reinstate its role as a whole. Modern-day prosthetics come equipped with mind-reading capabilities that impart the limb human-like functioning.
 
On the other hand, exoskeletons are support structures loaded with sensors, helping patients recover from grievous injuries or debilitating conditions.
 
The fabrication of such parts and components requires striking the fine balance between maintaining structural integrity without adding to the weight.
 
Tools
From basic tools like scalpels to high-end equipment such as MRI machines, everything is a product of metal fabrication. Even if the entire setup may not result from metal fabrication by a CNC machine, the small parts or components sure make up a part of the whole.
 
These tools and equipment are available in standard specifications and can be customized at will. As such, metal fabrication plays a crucial role in modifying the features and functionalities of the equipment to encompass niche requirements.
 
Conclusion
Metal has been the backbone of the medical device industry, with various metals and alloys finding widespread use in equipment, implants, and devices. However, given the sensitive nature of its use and application, the metallic products and the fabrication process may be subject to regulation by governmental bodies.
 
In this aspect, the margin of error can be minimized by using mini milling machines that are suited for the process. At the same time, frequent checks and rigorous assessment can maintain the high quality and fidelity of the products.
 

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Peter Jacobs is the senior director of marketing at CNC Masters. He is actively involved in manufacturing processes and regularly contributes his insights for various blogs in CNC machining, 3D printing, rapid tooling, injection molding, metal casting, and manufacturing in general.