What Is Mold Making and Casting in the Medical Field?

 Image: L. Wakely

Medical manufacturing is the process of making plastic or metal products that are used in hospitals, emergency rooms, doctor's offices, and surgical rooms. Mold making and casting are two processes that are some of the most highly advanced forms of medical technology.

 

A guest post by Lizzie Weakley 

 

Molding vs. Casting

The main difference between the two techniques is the type of material. Molding mainly involves plastic while casting involves metal. The material is melted down, poured into a die or mold container, and made into a distinctive form and shape.

 

The Process of Die Casting

Die casting is the process of liquifying metal and pressing it into die casts. The molten products are made under high-pressure and high-speed conditions. The types of nonferrous alloys include aluminum, magnesium, and zinc.

 

The Work of Injection Molding

Injection molding is often faster, more precise, and more accurate than die casting. A larger variety of materials are injected into the molds. The molds are used in manufacturing to create products such as test tubes, casings for medical equipment, and beakers. 

 

Structural Foam Molding

Structural foam molding is the process of injecting a low-pressure foam into a mold. This process also involves the use of expanding foam to make soft foam products that are strong, durable, and resistant to damage. The foam is resistant to chemicals, making it an ideal material to use with corrosive chemicals.

 

Medical Devices Need Molding and Casting

Medical device manufacturing includes a significant number of molded products. Common medical devices include surgical hand tools, imaging machines, and disposable plastic products. Molding is also used to create smaller, more highly detailed technologies that can be implanted into the body.

Overall, safe and effective molding or casting must include all steps of the manufacturing process. First, molders design the product they want to create, develop a prototype, select the materials, and begin the production work. Selecting the materials is a particularly important step. Medical device manufacturers are constantly experimenting with different materials and processes. They frequently combine different materials to create stronger, longer-lasting physical properties.

 

 

Medical researchers and designers are continuously looking for new, innovative ways to develop medical technology. They are making improvements in the designs and specifications of products that doctors and patients use every day. The two main manufacturing techniques that they use are injection molding and die casting. Both methods involve using different materials, such as metal or plastic, speeds, and machinery to create durable medical devices. However, both are crucial to the medical world.

 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)