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Hartford Technologies Blog

Why Precision Matters: The Importance of Custom Bearings in Life-Supporting Medical Devices

Posted: Mar 11, 2025 1:05:00 PM

When it comes to medical devices, where people's lives are on the line, precision is not just a luxury but a necessity.  No matter how small, every piece must contribute to the reliability and safety of the necessary equipment and its performance. Some of these parts are custom bearings that are often unnoticed but are key to the proper functioning of lifesaving devices that doctors and patients need daily.

The Essence of the High-Performance Medical Devices

Medical devices are increasingly becoming more complex. From surgical robots to infusion pumps, ventilators, and diagnostic equipment, the performance must be flawless. These modular systems require precision bearings to glide without friction and work without failure. When designed to the best standard, they lead to improved productivity, low noise emission, and increased product life, all of which are critical in medical applications.

A Small Component That Makes a Big Difference

Bearing components employed in medical appliances must satisfy very strict accuracy requirements. They are used in sterile environments, are low in wear, and are suitable for sterilization. Precision-manufactured bearings minimize the chances of failure and assist in the maintenance of the essential accuracy needed in scenarios that demand precision in medical procedures. It could be the movement of a robotic surgical system or the accuracy of an insulin pump, and these components make a difference to the patient.

Customization is the Key

Standard bearings cannot always fulfill the specific needs of medical devices. Hartford Technologies works closely with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop and manufacture custom bearings designed to meet specific application needs. From the material choice (e.g., stainless steel, glass or ceramic material) to the topography of the surface that dictates the level of wear, everything is done with the application's use in mind. This collaborative engineering approach results in optimal performance, durability, and conformance to the relevant standards.

Created for the Healthcare Environment

The healthcare industry can be unforgiving. Devices are expected to work correctly during critical situations, emergencies, and long periods. Custom bearings from Hartford Technologies are manufactured with these demands in mind. When precision is the difference between success and failure, you can trust Hartford Technologies to deliver.