Jochen Kern, Head of Sales & Marketing, micrometal
In medical device manufacturing, precision isn’t just a desirable trait — it’s a non-negotiable requirement. Whether it’s a surgical tool, implantable device, or a microfluidic component, the margins for error are slim to none. Every dimension matters. Every edge, channel, and contour must be produced with consistency and without compromise. In this high-stakes environment, where device performance directly influences patient outcomes, photo-chemical etching (PCE) has emerged as a transformative technology.
At micrometal Group, we see the critical importance of precision every day. Medical OEMs are demanding more — smaller components, tighter tolerances, more complex geometries. And they’re demanding it faster, with fewer production bottlenecks and a higher standard of quality assurance. PCE delivers on all these fronts, not only meeting the precision challenge but redefining what’s possible in the manufacture of medical components.
ELIMINATING IMPERFECTIONS
Traditional machining methods like stamping, laser cutting, or CNC milling often introduce mechanical stress, burrs, and inconsistencies. These imperfections can be detrimental in a medical setting, where even microscopic flaws could lead to contamination, reduced device performance, or rejection during regulatory review. PCE eliminates these risks by producing burr-free, stress-free components with micron-level accuracy. Using light-sensitive photoresists and controlled chemical etchants, manufacturers can achieve intricate, repeatable patterns on thin metals — perfectly suited for medical devices where form and function must work in harmony.
APPLICATIONS
Take surgical instruments, for example. From endoscopic blades to cutting jaws in minimally invasive tools, the sharpness and precision of each feature is directly tied to patient safety and procedural success. PCE enables the production of ultra-thin blades and geometrically complex features without the need for grinding or post-processing. The result? Faster production cycles and instruments that meet or exceed quality and hygiene standards.
Implantable components also benefit from PCE’s unique capabilities. Components like battery contacts, mesh structures, and stents must not only meet strict biocompatibility standards but also maintain consistent dimensions across large production volumes. PCE allows for repeatable manufacturing with near-zero variation, helping to streamline validation and approval processes. And because PCE is a non-contact, non-thermal process, there’s no risk of metallurgical distortion — ensuring components retain their full material properties.
Another area where PCE shines is in microfluidics. As point-of-care diagnostic devices continue to shrink in size while expanding in complexity, designers face the challenge of integrating micro-channels, filters, and electrodes onto a single platform. PCE makes it possible to etch highly precise, miniature structures into metal substrates without the limitations of mechanical tooling. This opens the door for innovative diagnostic solutions with rapid fluid flow, accurate measurement, and robust chemical resistance — all key to reliability in clinical settings.
Precision isn’t just about geometry — it’s about reliability, repeatability, and responsiveness to customer needs. The PCE process has been engineered to allow quick iterations, enabling medical device designers to prototype, test, and refine concepts rapidly. Unlike traditional tooling, which requires time-intensive and costly modifications, PCE relies on digital photomasks. Need a new design iteration? Upload the file. No retooling, no delay.
This flexibility is crucial in a sector where time-to-market can directly impact lives. In emergency scenarios — such as the fast-tracked development of COVID-19 testing devices — manufacturers turned to technologies that could keep pace with demand without compromising on accuracy or safety. PCE offered a fast, scalable pathway from prototype to mass production, supporting innovation under pressure.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
But speed and flexibility are only part of the story. In medical manufacturing, quality assurance is the cornerstone of credibility. The industry is tightly regulated, and for good reason. To pass audits and gain certification, every component must meet rigorous specifications. This is where manufacturing experience becomes essential. A good process integrates in-line and offline quality inspection, real-time imaging, and statistical process control. Precision is not just promised — its proved, batch after batch.
Precision in the medical sector isn’t just about tolerances on paper — it’s about what those tolerances mean in the real world. A component that’s 10 microns out of spec might be acceptable in consumer electronics. In a medical implant, it could be catastrophic. That’s why the entire process should be engineered around absolute repeatability.
There’s another layer to this, and that is cleanliness. Because PCE is a clean, non-contact process, it avoids introducing contaminants or residues that could compromise sterile environments. Components exit the etching process burr-free, without oils, shavings, or thermal distortion — meaning they’re easier to clean, inspect, and qualify for medical use.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is also becoming a growing concern in medical manufacturing. Regulatory pressures and consumer expectations are pushing OEMs to seek out greener processes. PCE supports this shift. It produces less material waste than subtractive machining, requires no physical tooling, and minimises energy consumption by removing the need for high-heat operations. It’s a precise process with a lower environmental footprint — helping manufacturers achieve both performance and sustainability goals.
SUMMARY
The benefits of PCE in medical manufacturing are clear, greater design freedom, higher repeatability, faster prototyping, and reduced risk. But beyond the technical wins, there’s a broader shift underway. As medicine becomes more personalised, devices must follow suit. Precision manufacturing is no longer about producing millions of identical parts. It’s about enabling custom solutions — devices that adapt to the unique needs of the patient, procedure, or application. PCE, with its design flexibility and digital-first approach, is uniquely positioned to support this next chapter of personalised medicine.
In the world of medical device manufacturing, the smallest details can have the biggest impact. With photo-chemical etching, manufacturers gain a tool that doesn’t just meet the challenge — it raises the standard. And at micrometal Group, we’re proud to lead the way.
