Manufacturing Trusted Components for the Medical Sector
Lives depend on the performance of every medical component. That’s why we eliminate uncertainty—delivering precision, reliability, and trust when it matters most. At Buell Automatics, we machine, measure, and finish parts that meet the exact demands of surgical instruments, implantable devices, and diagnostic equipment. Our shop doesn’t just follow medical standards—we build them into every step, from material selection to final inspection.
Components for the Medical Sector
Medical components aren’t just small—they’re unforgiving. A bone screw off by a fraction of a millimeter or an implant with the wrong surface finish can have serious consequences. That’s why we deploy:
- Swiss-type lathes for micro-components like surgical pins and bone screws, where diameters are measured in hundredths of a millimeter.
- CNC equipment for larger parts, including instrument housings and trial implants, machined to match CAD models without deviation.
- Multi-spindle machines for high-volume medical fasteners, ensuring consistency across thousands of parts.
Every machine is calibrated with exacting precision, recognizing that in the medical industry, even the smallest deviation can have serious consequences.
Materials That Meet the Moment (and the MRI)
We handle these materials:
- 316L stainless steel for instruments that withstand repeated sterilization.
- Cobalt-chrome alloys for joint replacements bearing years of mechanical stress.
- PEEK plastic for components that must be invisible to X-rays but durable in the body.
Every material batch arrives with full certifications, cross-checked against purchase orders before machining begins. No exceptions.
Inspection That Confirms Quality
Medical components are held to the highest standards—our rigorous inspection process ensures there’s no room for uncertainty.
- First-article checks with calibrated manual gauges to confirm initial compliance.
- In-process verification by machinists trained to spot deviations before they become problems.
- Final validation using optical systems to map every critical dimension without touching delicate surfaces.
- Surface scrutiny via profilometers for texture analysis, because a scratch in the wrong place can harbor bacteria.
Finishing Touches: Beyond “Clean” to “Medically Safe”
A machined part isn’t ready for the OR until it’s been:
- Electropolished to eliminate microscopic crevices where pathogens could hide.
- Bead-blasted or passivated to enhance corrosion resistance, crucial for reusable tools.
- Laser-marked with traceable identifiers that won’t fade during autoclaving.
Cleaning isn’t just a step; it’s a safeguard.
Our process includes:
- Alkaline baths to dissolve machining fluids.
- Ultrasonic agitation to dislodge particulates.
- Deionized water rinses to prevent mineral deposits.
- Drying in controlled environments to avoid recontamination.
Control What You Can’t Afford to Lose
Statistical process control (SPC) tracks dimensions across production runs, spotting trends before they breach tolerances. Change management requires formal review for any process adjustment—no undocumented “tweaks” mid-production.
Collaboration Over Handoffs
We work with device designers early to:
- Identify manufacturability issues before tooling begins.
- Recommend tolerances that balance performance with practicality.
- Avoid costly revisions later.
Why This Matters for Medical OEMs
The medical sector doesn’t just demand quality; it requires verifiable, repeatable processes that stand up to regulatory scrutiny. Buell Automatics delivers components that meet those demands without last-minute heroics.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your next medical project—with the right mix of technology, vigilance, and hard-won expertise.