In the past, the medical device prototyping and manufacturing process was incredibly slow and expensive. This made it difficult for small companies and startups to get their products to market quickly. However, advances in technology have changed all of that. And Pathway NPI, a premiere medical device development and manufacturing company in San Diego, is at the forefront of the industry.
Nowadays, there are a number of ways to accelerate production of medical devices and prototypes while lowering cost. 3D printing is one of the most popular methods as it allows for rapid prototyping and iteration. Other methods include CNC machining, injection molding, and stereolithography (SLA).
Whichever method you choose, the important thing is to work with a reputable manufacturer who can help you bring your product to market quickly and efficiently. We recommend working with Pathway NPI. With years of experience in the medical device industry, they can help you navigate the complex prototyping and manufacturing process. Contact us today to learn more!
Medical Device Prototyping and Manufacturing — The Old Way
The first step in the process of prototyping and manufacturing medical devices was typically to create a physical prototype of the device. This was often done through manual machining or by using expensive CAD software. Then, the prototype would be sent out to a contract manufacturer who would create molds and tooling necessary for mass production.
This entire process could take months — or even years — to complete. And it was often very expensive, which made it inaccessible for many small companies. As a result, the medical device industry was dominated by large corporations who could afford to spend the time and money necessary to bring new products to market.
Medical Device Prototyping and Manufacturing — The New Way
However, all of that has changed in recent years. Thanks to advances in technology, there are now a number of ways to accelerate production of medical devices and prototypes while lowering cost.
3D printing is one of the most popular methods as it allows for rapid prototyping and iteration. Other methods include CNC machining, injection molding, and stereolithography (SLA).
3D Printing
3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file. It is often used for prototyping as it allows for quick and easy iteration. Additionally, 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular for manufacturing small batches of products as it can be done relatively quickly and cheaply.
Pathway NPI has a state-of-the-art 3D printing capability that can produce high-quality prototypes and small batch production runs. We use the latest in 3D printing technology, including filament extrusion, stereolithography (SLA), and selective laser sintering (SLS). This allows us to create prototypes and production parts that are indistinguishable from injection molded parts.
3D printing is an ideal solution for companies who need to accelerate their prototyping and manufacturing process.
CNC Machining
CNC machining is another popular method for prototyping and manufacturing medical devices. In CNC machining, a computer controlled machine removes material from a block of metal or plastic to create the desired part or prototype.
CNC machining is typically faster and more accurate than 3D printing, making it ideal for parts that require tight tolerances. Additionally, CNC machining can be used to create prototypes from the same materials that will be used in production, which is not always possible with 3D printing.
Pathway NPI has a state-of-the-art CNC machining facility capability that can produce high-quality prototypes and small batch production runs. We use the latest in CNC technology, including 5-axis machining, to create parts that are indistinguishable from injection molded parts.
CNC machining is an ideal solution for companies who need to accelerate their prototyping and manufacturing process.
Injection Molding
Injection molding is a manufacturing process in which melted plastic is injected into a mold to create the desired part or product. Injection molding is typically used for mass production as it is fast and relatively inexpensive. However, it can also be used for prototyping if small batch sizes are required.
Pathway NPI has a state-of-the-art injection molding facility capability that can produce high-quality prototypes and small batch production runs. We use the latest in injection molding technology to create parts that are indistinguishable from injection molded parts.
Injection molding is an ideal solution for companies who need to accelerate their prototyping and manufacturing process.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing technology that uses a laser to cure photopolymer resins into the desired three-dimensional shape. SLA is typically used for prototyping as it allows for quick and easy iteration. Additionally, SLA is becoming increasingly popular for manufacturing small batches of products as it can be done relatively quickly and cheaply.
Pathway NPI also has state-of-the-art stereolithography (SLA) equipment that can produce high-quality prototypes and small batch production runs. We use the latest in SLA technology to create parts that are indistinguishable from injection molded parts.
SLA is another ideal solution for companies who need to accelerate their prototyping and manufacturing process.
Lowering Costs for Medical Devices
By accelerating the prototyping and manufacturing process using these methods, Pathway NPI can also help to lower the costs for your medical devices. In many cases, we can produce prototypes and production parts at a fraction of the cost of traditional manufacturing methods. Click here to also learn more about our FDA clearance vs. approval information.
To learn more about how Pathway NPI can help you accelerate your prototyping and manufacturing process, contact us today. Other medical device developers and manufacturers in California cannot do the same. We would be happy to discuss your project with you and provide a free quote.