Machining Composites For Medical Devices

Many advances in medical metallurgy have improved the long-term load carrying capabilities of metal alloy implants. With advances in other materials, the application of composites has come into the realm of implantation and other areas of the medical industry. However, the lack of both experience and information regarding manufacturing and machinability of composite implants makes producing a quality product problematic. This paper describes machining methods, cutting tools, and feed and speed rates required to produce quality medical devices.