What Materials Are Commonly Used in CNC Machining Medical Devices?
2025-10-31
In our experience at BSD Machinery CO., Ltd., offering precision CNC Machining services for medical-device manufacturers, the choice of material plays a pivotal role in achieving regulatory compliance, structural performance, and long-term reliability. With two decades of industry insight, I will share how our factory evaluates and selects materials for CNC Machining of medical devices, present key product parameters, and discuss common questions that OEMs raise.
Material Selection Criteria in Medical CNC Machining
When our team at BSD Machinery CO., Ltd. reviews a request for CNC Machining of a medical part, we focus on several critical criteria: biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, machinability, sterilization tolerance, and mechanical strength. It is our view that the right material allows our CNC Machining process to deliver parts that meet the demanding environments of medical use. CNC Machining is widely employed for implants, diagnostic instrument housings, and surgical tools. Many materials are technically machinable, but only some meet the full set of requirements for medical-grade parts.
Common Materials Used in CNC Machining Medical Devices
| Material | Typical Grade/Alloy | Key Properties | Recommended Use | CNC Machining Notes |
| Stainless Steel | 316 / 316L | Excellent corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility | Surgical instruments, temporary implants | Slower feed, sharp tooling to avoid work-hardening |
| Titanium Alloy | Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) | High strength-to-weight, biocompatible, corrosion resistant | Permanent implants, orthopedic components | Low cutting speeds, high cooling, rigid set-up required |
| Aluminium Alloy | 6061 / 7075 | Lightweight, good machinability, moderate biocompatibility | Diagnostic equipment housings, non-implant parts | Faster machining, good finish, not always implant-certified |
| Cobalt-Chromium Alloy | Co-Cr (various grades) | Very high wear and corrosion resistance | Joint replacements, bearings in implants | Challenging to machine, high tool wear |
| Engineering Plastics / Polymers | PEEK, UHMW, PC, Nylon | Lightweight, sterilization-compatible, some implant use | Spinal implants, instrument components | Requires different tooling, thermal management important |
In our factory at BSD Machinery CO., Ltd., when we quote a CNC Machining project for a medical device, we typically specify tolerance (e.g., ±0.025 mm), surface finish (Ra value), and whether post-processing (passivation, electropolishing) is required. For example:
2. Surface finish: Ra 0.8 µm or better for surgical instrument
3. Material: Ti-6Al-4V, annealed, then CNC Machining, then passivated
How We Employ CNC Machining in Medical Applications
Our CNC Machining capability at BSD Machinery CO., Ltd. is utilised across a wide range of medical device categories. We routinely work on implantable parts, surgical instruments, housings for diagnostic devices, and custom prosthetics. The precision we demand means that the material must not only be machinable but must also meet the structural, biocompatibility, and sterilization demands of the final product. By partnering with our clients early in the design phase, our factory can advise on material-selection trade-offs: machinability vs cost vs biocompatibility, for instance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What materials are most common in CNC Machining medical devices?
A1. In our experience the most common materials for CNC Machining of medical devices are stainless steel (316/316L), titanium alloys (such as Ti-6Al-4V), and aluminium alloys for non-implant parts. These materials offer the balance of machinability, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility required in medical use.
Q2. What factors determine the right material for a CNC Machined medical part?
A2. When we advise clients our selection criteria include: biocompatibility and regulatory compliance, mechanical strength and fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, sterilization compatibility (e.g., autoclave, gamma), machinability, and surface-finish requirements. The final choice is always a trade-off among these factors.
Q3. Can engineering plastics be used in CNC Machining medical devices and what should we consider?
A3. Yes, engineering plastics such as PEEK, UHMW, PC, and Nylon can be CNC Machined and are often used in medical device parts. In our factory we ensure the polymer used is certified for medical use, has sufficient strength and fatigue resistance, and tolerates sterilization cycles. Machining plastics requires considerations such as thermal stability during machining and avoiding melt deformation or excessive chatter.
Summary
For over twenty years our team at BSD Machinery CO., Ltd. has specialised in CNC Machining for medical device manufacturers. By focusing on the right material choice—whether stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, cobalt-chromium, or medical-grade polymers—and combining that with precise production parameters, our factory helps our clients bring safe, high-quality devices to market. Understanding the interplay between material properties and CNC Machining performance is central to delivering consistent results in the medical field. If you are evaluating a new medical device project and need advice on materials for CNC Machining, our team is ready to support you from material-selection through to finished production.
