Company insight Miniature precision-etched and formed medical component.


printing presses and to make components for analogue televisions. Yet it is not as well known in the medical device sector as much newer techniques, not least 3D printing. “People are not aware of it for many reasons, partly because it is not geared up for extremely high volumes of components, and the process is not taught to engineers in school like 3D printing is,” Cohen remarks. “But PCE can handle much thinner material, and for higher volume and very tight


tolerances, PCE is the way to go. 3D printing has its place and is great for prototypes, but we offer much more.” Add to this the diffusion bonding services from Fotofab to fuse multiple etched metal sheets into 3D structures with complex internal geometries, and the full tool and die shop that it provides to shape flat parts into intricate shapes, and the potential to use PCE as the basis for component design and fabrication becomes even greater.


Factors at play Cohen is careful to point out that much depends on factors such as the final application of the component, or its size. PCE is not always a viable alternative, but it is the best option in many more instances than device manufacturers may realise. “We are not always


a replacement for laser cutting, which can be cheap and quick for very simple parts, and if time is not important then you could stamp components, but if you need burr-free fabrication and need to deal with thinner materials then we provide the best option,” he says. “Medical customers now have an unparalleled ability to try out different designs, and we can help their innovation flourish.” ●


https://fotofab.com


MMI055_Fotofab.indd 3 www.medicaldevice-developments.com


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