Manufacturing Focus | Engineering & Quality Guidelines |
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Biocompatible Material Certification | Source materials that meet ISO 10993 or USP Class VI. Use 316L, titanium grade 2 or 5, PEEK, PPSU, or LSR with batch-level Certificates of Analysis. Ensure lot segregation and traceability throughout the value chain with material ID retention. |
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Micro-Tolerance CNC Precision | Achieve dimensional tolerances ≤±0.01 mm on features like implant interfaces, housing seals, and mating slots. Apply fine finishing (Ra ≤0.2 μm) for optical or surgical instrument surfaces. Validate tolerances with calibrated CMM using traceable metrology standards (ISO 17025). |
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Cleanroom-Compatible Processing | Use ISO Class 7 or better environments for final rinsing, drying, and packaging. Maintain particle counts, temperature (20–22 °C), and humidity (45–55%). Restrict operations involving open parts to clean zones and document environmental monitoring per ISO 14644. |
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Joinery & Assembly Controls | Avoid adhesive joints where sterilization is required. Use ultrasonic, laser, or thermal bonding for enclosure integrity. For torque-sensitive components, define torque specs to ISO 6789 and verify with calibrated tools. Ensure error-proofing in assembly using poka-yoke fixtures. |
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Surface Finishing & Particle Control | Specify electropolishing, vapor smoothing, or bead blasting under validated conditions to achieve uniform finish and eliminate burrs. For implantable or critical-use parts, ensure burr-free edges and particle shedding ≤0.1 mg per component post-cleaning (ISO 16232 or USP 788). |
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Sterilization Readiness | Design parts to withstand EO, steam autoclave (134°C for 5 min), gamma (25–50 kGy), or hydrogen peroxide sterilization. Avoid sharp internal corners and micro-channels that trap fluid. Validate dimensional stability post-sterilization with tolerance rechecking and visual inspection. |
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UDI Marking & Batch Traceability | Apply Unique Device Identifier (UDI) via laser marking or micro-dot engraving (≥0.2 mm height, ECC200 DataMatrix). Store batch info digitally and link with Device History Record (DHR). Ensure markings are legible after 50+ sterilization cycles (abrasion and chemical exposure validated). |
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Inline Quality Assurance & Documentation | Implement 100% in-process inspection for critical-to-function dimensions. Use SPC with Cp/Cpk ≥1.33 and retain digital records for 10 years. Document with PPAP (Level 3), FAI, and full DMR (Device Master Record) per ISO 13485 section 4.2.4 and FDA 21 CFR 820. |
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Packaging & Transport Protection | Use medical-grade double blister packaging, Tyvek sealing, or pouching with ISO 11607-compliant materials. Validate drop resistance (≥1.2 m, 10 cycles), sterility barrier, and labeling legibility post-transport. Include IFU, lot ID, and expiration labeling per MDR/FDA requirements. |
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Regulatory Compliance & Audit Readiness | Ensure all manufacturing steps comply with ISO 13485:2016, FDA QSR 21 CFR Part 820, and EU MDR 2017/745. Maintain complete DHR, Risk Management File (per ISO 14971), and CAPA traceability. Prepare for Notified Body audits and FDA inspections with internal mock audits. |