Medical device manufacturers want to know that they can get disposables manufactured without sacrificing cost or quality. With advances in technology and materials like high-grade stainless steel, it’s possible to cost-effectively produce robust single-use instruments that meet all functional requirements.
-Steve Santoro, MICRO
Single-use surgical instruments offer distinct advantages over reusables for healthcare providers and can help improve patient outcomes. Surgeons and hospitals need disposable options that are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and not subject to wear and tear that can damage reusable products and impact functionality over time.
In a recently published article for Medical Design & Outsourcing, MICRO’s Steve Santoro explains how contract manufacturers can optimize designs upfront to be capable of being manufactured at high volumes. As a result, robust, high-quality single-use instruments that meet all functional requirements can be cost-effectively produced to meet volume needs.
A critical factor is using a design for manufacturability (DFM) process tailored to the intended use of the product. DFM provides a blueprint for ramping up with a validated, evidence-based development process that saves time and money downstream. Often customers focus on the back end, output and cost. With DFM, manufacturers optimize designs upfront. If volume needs to increase as the product gains market acceptance, considering alternative engineering processes during DFM will allow manufacturers to accommodate volume or other changes later on.
Other important considerations include selecting the optimal materials and processes that meet the needs of a project, which can ensure the life and function of the product.