Customized Intelligent Robot Parts: A Guide to CNC Machining for Customized Medical Surgical Robot Parts
Table of Contents
- Customized Intelligent Robot Parts: A Guide to CNC Machining for Customized Medical Surgical Robot Parts
- What are the core components of medical robots and CNC machining ?
- Types of medical robots that are precision CNC machined
- How can medical surgical robots improve motion accuracy through precision CNC machining?
- Specific steps for CNC machining of components used in medical surgical robots
- Materials used in CNC machining of surgical robot parts
- Future Trends in Medical Robotics
- How are medical robot parts, machined by CNC, assembled?
- Why trust this guide? Practical experience from Elimold Robotics’ custom parts manufacturing experts.
- How do you embark on industry-specific surgical robot machining projects and obtain customized solutions?
- How to choose a medical surgical robot parts manufacturer?
- Summarize
Surgical robots are a new type of medical tool that combines machine learning and precision mechanical systems, primarily used to perform surgical procedures. With these devices, doctors can operate robotic arms and hands precisely from a control console, regardless of spatial distance, to perform surgery on patients in remote locations. This technology not only saves more patients but also improves the accuracy and efficiency of surgeries, reduces the need for direct contact between patients and medical staff, and introduces safer and more advanced treatment methods into the medical field.
To date, surgical robots in the medical field have evolved from early experimental stages to large-scale commercial applications, with the da Vinci Surgical System representing a significant milestone. Currently, surgical robot technology continues to evolve, and its applications are rapidly expanding, including cardiac surgery, urology, and gynecological surgery, providing doctors with greater operational precision and patients with less trauma, while also contributing to the development of remote surgery.
Secondly, in this rapidly evolving field of medical robotics, precision is paramount. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is crucial in manufacturing complex medical robotic devices or their precision components. By using sophisticated computer programs and machines capable of performing minute movements with remarkable precision multiple times per second, manufacturers can produce parts with astonishing consistency and accuracy. This quiet revolution, occurring across the scale from the “millimeter” to the “micrometer,” places unprecedented demands on precision CNC machining processes. This blog post is a guide to CNC machining of custom medical surgical robot parts.
What are the core components of medical robots and CNC machining ?
Medical robots possess specialized designs and functions that make them suitable for the medical field. Most are remotely controllable and suitable for tasks such as performing surgical procedures and delivering medications. Each robot typically consists of several components, including a robotic arm, a robotic hand, surgical instruments, a remote control system, a vision system, and a navigation system. The robotic arm is responsible for carrying and manipulating surgical instruments; the remote control system allows surgeons to operate the robot remotely; the vision system provides a high-definition view of the surgical scene; the navigation system ensures accurate operation; and the surgical instruments enable the robot to perform complex surgical procedures and provide a more intuitive surgical experience. These components work together to make surgical robots precise and efficient medical tools, providing more advanced and safer solutions for surgical procedures.
| controller | The controller is the brain or processing unit embedded in a medical robot. It is unique to each robot and is primarily a plug-in miniature computer system in which all of the robot’s programs run. |
| power supply | A robot can be powered by an internal battery or a fixed external power source. The type of power source determines the robot’s performance and mobility. For example, robots using built-in batteries move more flexibly than those using a fixed power source. |
| programming | Programming is a set of instructions that dictates what a robot should do. Controller programming helps medical robots execute instructions correctly, avoiding inefficiencies and errors. |
| sensor | Sensors come in various shapes, sizes, and functions to detect the surrounding environment. |
| End effector | End effectors enable robots to interact with and function in their environment. |
Types of medical robots that are precision CNC machined
manufactured using CNC machining technology , but the most common types include the following:
| Surgical robots | These surgical robots ensure precise and efficient surgical procedures. Depending on the complexity, some robots can perform surgeries under the supervision of human surgeons. |
| Chemotherapy robot | These medical robots can help set up beam sources, remotely position patients, and arrange imaging systems. Furthermore, chemotherapy robots can treat tumors in different parts of the body. |
| rehabilitation robots | These medical robots can help and assist the mobility of the elderly or disabled. They are suitable for rehabilitation services, such as therapeutic exercises and training, and can monitor patient progress through careful assessment. |
| Laboratory robots | These medical robots can assist laboratory technicians in moving potentially harmful biological or chemical substances. Furthermore, they are suitable for high-speed, accurate inspection of materials, thereby reducing errors. |
| robotic prostheses | Robotic prostheses can provide patients who have lost limbs with a lifelike limb, helping them regain balance. Unlike traditional prostheses, robotic prostheses have certain complex functions. For example, they can be remotely controlled; furthermore, artificial intelligence robotic prostheses can learn over time and are ergonomically designed. |
| medical robots | Hospital medical robots can help alleviate some of the workload of medical staff. They are programmed to be fully aware of their surroundings and can perform tasks such as delivering meals, medicines, and collecting samples. |
How can medical surgical robots improve motion accuracy through precision CNC machining?
The application of medical surgical robots relies heavily on the precision of their basic structural geometry. Achieving this requires the precision machining of robot components, prioritizing perfect geometry and long-term stability to ensure reliable motion control.
Kinematic precision basis
It is crucial that the geometry of all robot parts, regardless of type (e.g., housings and articulated arms), be guaranteed to have zero errors. Precision machining of robot parts helps to manufacture error-free components, ensuring perfect orthogonality, concentricity, and flatness of mounting surfaces. Furthermore, it eliminates the concept of error accumulation, as specific errors in individual details accumulate to lead to positional errors, which are the foundation of precise robot motion control.
Achieve dynamic performance
Output flange assemblies and gear shaft assemblies in such transmission system components need to withstand high torque. The fundamental requirements for manufacturing high-performance parts go far beyond micron-level CNC machining accuracy. These parts also require specialized techniques developed through specific processes. Strategic heat treatment can further improve their wear resistance. Furthermore, residual stress relief processes can prevent dimensional changes.
Validated processes and results
Case studies of CNC machining in the manufacture of medical surgical robots and their results can provide insights into the affected fields. For example, if the wave generator of a harmonic driver is machined to a roundness of less than 5 μm and has a higher surface finish, backlash can be directly reduced, resulting in smoother motion. Undoubtedly, the ultimate benefits gained through strategic part machining will directly improve the performance of the robotic system.
High-quality and high-precision custom parts
The performance improvements of medical surgical robots stem directly from the use of higher quality and more precise custom-designed components. The precision CNC machining and high-performance manufacturing of specialized surgical robot components, integrating expertise in geometric control and materials science, ensures the required motion precision control, a fact proven in numerous successful CNC machining case studies.
Specific steps for CNC machining of components used in medical surgical robots
| Parts design | First, engineers or designers design the corresponding parts according to the needs of the surgical robot, and then use CAD/CAM software to create 3D models of the parts. |
| Development and processing solutions | The processing plan includes selecting appropriate processing methods, setting processing parameters, and selecting appropriate tools and equipment. |
| programming | Programmers use specific programming languages (such as G-code) to write CNC programs. |
| Simulated toolpath | Engineers can use simulation software or actual equipment to perform trial cuts to verify the accuracy of the CNC program. |
| Formal processing | Machinists control CNC equipment to automatically perform cutting, drilling, grinding and other operations according to a pre-set program until parts are manufactured. |
| Surface treatment and post-treatment | The finished parts can undergo surface treatments such as electroplating, painting, and oxidation, as well as post-processing processes such as hardening and quenching. |
| Inspection and Quality Control | Finally, quality inspectors will use various measuring tools and methods to check the size, shape, and surface quality of the parts. |
Materials used in CNC machining of surgical robot parts
In the CNC manufacturing and machining process of robotic surgical equipment, the materials typically used are:
| Titanium alloy | Because of their excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance, titanium alloys are often used by manufacturers to make the shells and structural components of surgical robots. |
| Stainless steel | Stainless steel is a common material with good strength and corrosion resistance, used in the production of surgical tools and some structural components of robots. |
| aluminum alloy | Manufacturers use stainless steel, a material known for its strength and corrosion resistance, to manufacture surgical instruments and robotic components. |
| plastic materials | Manufacturers use high-strength engineering plastics to produce the shell, protective cover, or connectors for surgical robots. |
| carbon fiber composite materials | Due to their strength and lightweight properties, they can often enhance the mechanical properties of surgical robots and reduce the weight of components. |
Future Trends in Medical Robotics
Currently, the conventional approach is to use CNC machining to manufacture high-precision and complex components, which are then applied to medical surgical robots. However, advancements in bionics, AI, and other intelligent devices have made the invention of intelligent medical surgical robots possible, leading to advanced medical facilities for patient treatment and management. Therefore, we predict that future robotic devices used in surgical procedures will develop in the following four directions.
Improved tactile sensation
Using artificial skin will give humanoid medical robots a better sense of touch. Furthermore, by sensing environmental stress, these robots can provide specialized care to patients, a trend moving towards enabling robots to improve their perception of things through touch.
Better robotic surgical performance
Robotics is transforming the surgical field in medicine by assisting surgeons in performing complex procedures, thereby improving the precision, control, and flexibility of surgical operations. This allows surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures more easily. Robots can also help retrieve medical equipment and perform the actual surgery.
Enhance interaction with robots
Before the development of artificial intelligence, the term empathy did not apply to robots. Therefore, robot programs could only perform simple and straightforward operations. However, with the introduction of highly sophisticated robots, interactions between patients, medical staff, and robots have improved. Enhancing robot empathy has different effects on each group. For example, with robots and patients, the integration of artificial intelligence helps ensure that patients feel they are talking to a human.
Remote nursing
Remote nursing refers to human nurses operating robots to provide nursing services to patients. Several components, such as AR, sensors, robot manipulation, and remote conferencing, contribute to the development of remote nursing.
How are medical robot parts, machined by CNC, assembled?
The assembly of medical robot components involves several critical steps, including detailed design planning, quality inspection, mechanical structure assembly, electronic system installation, debugging and testing, human-machine interface setup, and final acceptance. This ensures the high precision and coordinated operation of components such as robotic arms, joints, and sensors. After assembly, the robot undergoes final acceptance testing, and its performance and reliability are verified through actual surgical simulations to ensure it can safely and accurately perform surgical tasks.
Why trust this guide? Practical experience from Elimold Robotics’ custom parts manufacturing experts.
Elimold states that this guide is trustworthy because it is based on their 15 years of practical experience, not just theoretical knowledge. In the field of robotics, we specialize in gear manufacturing; gear failure means mission failure, and failure is absolutely unacceptable. This is especially true for surgical robots, where the tolerance for failure is at the micrometer level, and failure means loss of life.
We have experience manufacturing over 50,000 precision parts for various types of robots. With this high-volume production experience, we understand how to maximize the advantages of materials used in robotic equipment and strictly adhere to the parts manufacturing guidelines set by relevant associations to achieve optimal processing results. We have learned from some of our own costly mistakes to ensure you don’t repeat them.
This handbook is based on successful practical experience from various fields, with all information derived from its diverse applications. Whether it’s the demanding requirements of surgical robots for customized parts or the medical industry’s pursuit of ultra-high precision tolerances, we have extensive experience in successfully applying these technologies under stringent conditions. We aim to share our knowledge of tackling challenges in everyday CNC machining.
How do you embark on industry-specific surgical robot machining projects and obtain customized solutions?
We have now established a clear and mature process to ensure success from concept to completion, with a plan of action that can be reversed if necessary. We are confident in our success because we know that with our project initiation guide, every robotics project you undertake will start and end with maximum success.
For most robotics manufacturers, launching a project involving complex mechanical parts is often a rather tedious task. Elimold simplifies this process with a structured collaborative workflow designed to transform your concepts into reliable, high-quality parts, all starting with comprehensive professional machining consultation.
Preliminary consultation and needs analysis
It all begins with communication with you. Our engineers will provide specialized CNC machining consultation for custom surgical robot parts to understand the function and requirements of your components, as our goal is to fully understand your needs. This fundamental step ensures that we not only grasp the content of your design but also understand the reasons behind it, thus laying the foundation for effective project initiation guidance.
Customized solution design and feasibility analysis
Once the requirements are defined, customized solutions for surgical robot parts can be created. This includes selecting the most suitable solution for the production process, material selection, custom fixture design, custom toolpath design, and a comprehensive analysis of production feasibility.
Prototyping and Transparent Pricing
To address this issue, our custom parts solution for medical surgical robots continues to advance prototype development. We will provide a detailed and clear quotation outlining all costs, timelines, and process steps. This transparency is central to our project initiation guidelines, giving you a clear overview of the entire project process. Once you approve the quotation, we will immediately begin the development process for the first prototype.
Validation, mass production and support
We will evaluate and inspect the custom prototype parts for the surgical robot. We can jointly verify whether the finished product meets the requirements. Only if the validation phase is successful will we proceed to the mass production process. After delivery, we will continue to provide support to help you improve the manufacturability design and ensure the long-term success of your CNC custom-machined surgical robot parts solution.
How to choose a medical surgical robot parts manufacturer?
First, it is essential to ensure that suppliers comply with relevant regulations and standards, such as ISO 13485 (Medical Device Quality Management System) and FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) certification. Compliance is a fundamental requirement in the production of medical devices.
Secondly, the supplier’s manufacturing technology and processing equipment are also important. Experienced suppliers are more likely to understand the special requirements of the medical industry and provide high-quality solutions. At the same time, advanced equipment and technology, as well as quality inspection, are also key factors in ensuring product quality.
In addition, suppliers should possess extensive experience and specialize in one-stop processing of surgical robot and endoscope components. They must have a complete parts production process, meeting the stringent standards of medical device manufacturing in terms of tolerances, processes, and quality. Furthermore, their engineering teams’ familiarity with the medical field can help manufacturers provide professional advice on optimizing processes and reducing costs in the processing of medical robot components, helping your products quickly capture the market.
Summarize
The development of customized surgical robots aims to improve surgical outcomes. These robotic surgical instruments and devices, when performing delicate tasks, require precise dimensions and tight tolerances to ensure accurate movements and motions. Given their complex functions, the design of these devices needs to balance high precision and reliability, thereby effectively improving the accuracy and safety of surgery.
High-precision machining technology is one of the core driving forces propelling the development of medical surgical robots. As an interdisciplinary art of precision manufacturing, the machining of medical surgical robot parts serves as a bridge connecting cutting-edge medical innovations with safe and reliable products. Every small leap forward in technology contributes significantly to human health and longevity. This revolution in precision is silent yet incredibly impactful. When you need to manufacture precision medical surgical robot parts, contact Elimold; we have extensive experience in manufacturing various types of medical robotic equipment.