Last year proved to be challenging for the medical device manufacturing industry given the difficult economic conditions and the changes in the healthcare environment. Although the industry is still grasping with the unfavorable economic environment, expectations are for the orthopedic market to improve in 2012 thanks to several growth opportunities including improving hospital spending, emerging markets and pent-up demand as medical device manufacturers will continue to benefit from the aging U.S. population.
Expectations of revenue growth in the medical device manufacturing industry is not expected as quickly over the next the five years to 2017, as in recent years, due to the changing regulatory environment. In addition, a 2.3% excise tax, which will be imposed on the manufacture and importation of medical devices beginning in 2013 will put further pressure on the medical device manufacturers and their suppliers.
Medical device manufacturers are currently challenged with getting products to market faster while at the same time lowering production costs. This involves optimizing the manufacturing processes and the addition of increased machine sophistication to meet the requirements. Striking the perfect balance between costs, tolerances and manufacturing capabilities is critical for success in today’s challenging economic environment.
Orthopedic, spinal, trauma, and dental implants, as well as surgical instruments, require manufacturing to the highest quality standards in a strictly regulated environment with increasing pressure to reduce costs. Therefore, it is essential that a CNC system delivers reliability and supports highly efficient machining processes. Fanuc is known around the world for providing the most reliable, efficient and innovative CNC systems available – ensuring the lowest Total Cost of Ownership. Design of Fanuc's CNC Systems is to improve machine tool performance and significantly reduce costs while increasing accuracy and surface finish.
Fanuc FA America's advanced Series 30i/31i/32i-Model B CNCs are developed for the next generation of high performance machine tools and provide multi-axis, multi-path Nano interpolation technology that is ideal for high speed, highly accurate complex machining and seamlessly combine milling and turning operations in a single part program. They support Ethernet connectivity to manufacturing and business networks for process monitoring and validation as well as robots for cellular automation. For advanced machining with high accuracy, the 30i-B and 31i-B5 CNCs boast advancements in high-speed 5-axis capabilities with proven architecture and software algorithms to reduce, drastically, cycle times while improving part accuracy and quality.
Fanuc's CNC Series 0i-Model D features high reliability, Nano CNC resolution for ultra-high precision and an ultra-compact design. Included in the 0i-D are more than 200 standard features, all for increased productivity.