Innovations in Medical Silicone Molding in 2019

2018 was a hallmark year for medical silicone injection molding — and this year looks set to be no different. Innovations in medical silicone molding will likely take great strides in 2019 as we see selective automation, Internet Of Things, and the quality of silicone in the USA continue to flourish.

Silicone’s usefulness in a variety of medical products – from implantable devices, cardiac products, surgical devices and home healthcare devices to fluid delivery devices – means it is utilized heavily in the medical industry, especially for creating components that function as pieces or parts within larger medical devices. 2019 will see an increase in growth in this sector as innovations continue to develop within the industry.

Let’s take a look at what those are:

The Evolution Of Technology

Without a doubt, the United States is leading silicone molding innovation in the medical industry. From the development of unique materials and designs in 2018 to its intelligent use of white wall rooms to reduce overall cost while maintaining exceedingly high standards — US manufacturers currently hold the leading regional market share of silicone production globally, and USA-made medical silicone injection molding is a key contributor to the country’s silicone manufacturing success. That market share will likely increase in 2019 as we see technological breakthroughs develop a synergy with the skilled workers that most American silicone manufacturers employ.

The Evolution Of Technology With the Internet of Things

It’s likely that medical silicone injection molding will aid in continuing to establish ‘the internet of things’ — the billions of devices, machines, and objects that connect to the internet and are able to communicate with one another and collect and share predictive data. When it comes to the internet of things (IoT) in manufacturing, we’ll see can send real-time information communicated between smart machines and experts, leading to increased efficiencies across the board. With this real-time data, smart machines will be able to course-correct during the production process and reduce reject rates. The sheer masses of data available from smart machines, such as the ENGEL e-mac, will also allow for refined supply chain processes as experts truly dig into the data.

As a manufacturer with a reject rate of less than 0.01% in the last 5 years, at Extreme Molding we have a particular focus on lowering reject rates to improve efficiency and increase quality.

Intelligent Manufacturing Through Selective Automation

Selective automation, blending human expert workers with robots, will also continue to grow in 2019 as we see our manufacturing floors in the USA work to synchronize expert workers with smart machines. The effortless hybridization of human and machine will allow for injection molders in the USA to offer competitive silicone solutions to their partners. In 2019, more than ever, companies will be able to commit to the sustainability of manufacturing in the USA without having to commit to the daunting price-tag. While being assured of affordability, those who select American manufacturers will also see a return in the quality of silicone products.

Increasing Focus on Quality

Consumers are agreed — they want more products faster than ever before, and it’s a definite bonus for them if the silicone products are high quality. Fortunately for those who chose US manufacturers, 2019 is going to see an even higher quality of silicone produced in the US.

Gains in technology have made it easier to create the kind of high quality, consistent, silicone products required in the medical industries. This year, USA manufacturers will continue to exceed the high standards and compliances required in medical devices and components in order to produce exceptional medical components and devices.

Wider Options

This year, more than ever, companies have the freedom to choose skilled manufacturers in the USA rather than opting for overseas, and they can select an injection molder who can provide affordable and high-quality solutions to their medical requirements. At Extreme Molding, we welcome people to reach out to us with their medical silicone requirements. Contact us for a free consultation.

With some 50 years experience in industry and business, our team of experts are readily available to consult on your large volume silicone injection molding projects. We’re also happy to sign NDAs.