CAD for innovative medical devices

The contribution of CAD to the design of innovative medical devices

CAD (Computer Aided Design) is the use of software to design and create complex 2D or 3D models and prototypes. In the medical sector, CAD enables the digital design of medical equipment, from surgical tools to implants, in order to meet the complex and specific  requirements of companies that require compliance with regulatory processes. CAD makes a significant contribution to the development of innovative medical devices, helping to drive the healthcare industry forward.

In France, the digitalisation of the medical industry is responding to the need for complex and diversified medical equipment. JANUS Engineering, a medtech reference partner and expert in the medical field, is working with Siemens NX to support companies in the design of parts such as implants and prostheses, whether you are a start-up or a large company in the sector. CAD optimises the design and manufacturing process for these medical devices, reducing costs, improving quality and customising the products designed.

So the use of this type of software enables adaptation to the constant evolution of requirements and standards linked to the medical field, making it possible to manufacture adapted devices. It is by combining medicine and medical engineering that CAD, thanks to the latest technologies and software tools such as NX CAD, speeds up patient-specific medical imaging treatment

How does CAD contribute to the medical industry ?

CAD offers the industry considerable advantages in a number of ways :
 

Flexibility and efficiency.

• Development nd design of new products facilitated: knee prostheses, spinal implants, etc.
• Efficient production: interconnection with other software (PLM, MES, etc.).
• Suitable surface: choosing the right material.
• Adaptation when a product is added to your range.
• Providing solutions to specific and quality requirements: completion of parts manufactured by 3D printing.
• Modern special and moulding tools: for medical manufacturing and the finishing of medical components.

 

Safety.

• Prevents collisions and loss of expensive materials and slows down tool wear and machine damage.

• Simulation to exploit synergies.

 

Proficiency in materials.

• Work of different materials that are difficult to machine.

• Database and tools covering the diversity of materials.

• Perfectly smooth surfaces (knee prosthesis).

 

Automated programming.

• Standard implants and customised solutions.

• Automation of completed programmes: avoid off-material paths and link up operation stages.

• Automatic recognition of recurring CAD functions.

• Similar geometries: parts with repetitive shapes (implants).

• Standardisation of the process: saving time and reducing errors. Cooperation and partnership.

 

 

Cooperation & Partnership

CAD allows collaboration with customers and a partnership with other manufacturers to keep medical equipment production on track. These software programs keep pace and are often updated to provide new solutions and enable continuous monitoring of the product design process.

Use by healthcare professional

The design of medical devices enabled by CAD software concerns a wide range of professions and people: customers, patients and manufacturers are all involved. Below is a non-exhaustive list of the healthcare professionals who use it.

• Biomedical engineers
• Product designer
• Surgeons
• Biomedical engineering technicians
• Industrial designers specialising in the medical sector
• Medical imaging technologists
• Medical software designers
• Occupational therapists
• Specialists in the regulation of medical devices
• ...

3 types of manufacture :

• Subtractive manufacturing : remove pieces of material from a raw part to create the final shape. Includes techniques such as turning, drilling or milling for the manufacture of surgical instruments, for example.
   
• Additive manufacturing : Layer-by-layer 3D printing from digital models using material deposition, enabling flexible and tailor-made design of medical devices such as splints.
   
• Hybrid manufacturing : Combines the two previous processes to produce more complex and functional medical devices, such as a joint prosthesis