Manufacturers in the medical and dental industries require parts that are precise, consistent, and safe or biocompatible for use with patients. Powder metallurgy (PM) meets these needs while offering several advantages over other manufacturing methods like machining, or casting. From diagnostic tools and surgical instruments to dental handpieces and implant components, PM parts are strong, accurate, and cost-effective.
Compax, Inc. has decades of experience in blending material, compaction, sintering, and finishing. We serve medical and dental manufacturers with parts that meet tight tolerances, strict quality requirements, and material specifications. Learn about the metals used for these applications, the benefits of the PM process, and why customers in these industries choose Compax, Inc.
Powdered Metals Used in Medical and Dental Applications
A variety of metals are compatible with PM manufacturing, and they can be custom blended to meet the specifications of an application. As a result, materials can be developed with the desired strength, corrosion resistance, and other physical properties. Below are some of the most commonly used materials in these industries:
- Stainless steel: Offers corrosion resistance, high strength, and biocompatibility; Commonly used in surgical tools, diagnostic equipment; Grades include 303, 304, 316, and 410.
- Steel: Provides solid mechanical performance for parts where corrosion resistance is not critical; Ideal for structural components
With the ability to blend alloys and optimize material properties, PM is a highly flexible process that can support a wide range of use cases.
Types of PM Medical Device Components
Many parts and components for medical devices are made with powder metallurgy, including:
- Surgical tools components
- Diagnostic device enclosure parts.
- Motor and gear components for infusion pumps.
- Connectors.
Types of PM Dental Components
Dental equipment applications compatible with powder metallurgy include:
- High-speed handpiece gears and rotors.
- Adjustment mechanisms in dental chairs.
- Precision fittings and valves.
Benefits of Powder Metallurgy for Precision Manufacturing
Powder metallurgy provides precision and consistency throughout the production process. Manufacturers benefit from near-net-shape production that minimizes waste, reduces secondary machining, and supports high repeatability across large volumes. This makes it especially well-suited for the medical and dental sectors, where small, complex components must meet tight tolerances with reliable quality.
In addition to improving production efficiency, PM offers greater material utilization, enabling manufacturers to reduce costs without compromising part performance. Because the process supports fine detail and consistent density, it is ideal for components used in safety-critical devices. With customizable blends and controlled porosity, PM can also deliver specific functional properties, such as tensile strength, magnetic behavior, thermal conductivity, or wear resistance.
PM Manufacturing With Compax, Inc.
Powder metallurgy offers measurable value for the production of smaller, high-precision parts for medical devices and dental equipment. With a broad range of powdered metals available, Compax can provide an optimal blend of materials for your application, compaction, sintering, and any needed finishing or machining. We are ISO 9001:2015-certified and maintain an in-house quality lab with image measurement and CMM systems, as well as hardness, density, flow rate, and surface inspection capabilities.
Compax, Inc. brings medical and dental manufacturing customers decades of experience with powder metallurgy and comprehensive support, from material selection through production and finishing. For more information, contact us or, if you are ready to start your project, request a quote today.