The Precision Powerhouse Behind Modern MedTech Manufacturing
In the early days of medical device manufacturing, grinding was largely a manual skill. It was slow, labor-intensive and dependent on the unreliable precision of individuals. Today, automated systems perform this work faster and with far more accuracy.
As Mark Bannayan, Vice President of Sales (Grinding Technology) at MMT, explains, “Grinding in the medical device industry is a vital process that involves the precise removal of material from components… using specialized grinding machines equipped with abrasive wheels or belts that rotate at high speeds.” This precision is essential for producing guidewires, catheters, and needles with the exact dimensions and surface finishes medical applications demand.
Modern grinding ensures that each component meets the rigorous standards required for life-critical devices, supporting both patient safety and product reliability.
What Sets Grinding Apart From Traditional Machining
Unlike conventional cutting or milling, grinding uses abrasive materials to remove microscopic amounts of metal with extraordinary control. The process produces finer tolerances and smoother finishes. It also makes for better heat regulation than mechanical cutting alone.
Grinding’s ability to maintain sharp geometries and burr-free edges is especially important for medical-grade metals used in guidewires, catheters, and surgical instruments. This precision minimizes material stress and reduces downstream polishing or rework to improve both consistency and efficiency in production.
Electrochemical Grinding Revolutionizing Medical Device Production
Tom Travia, Director of Technical Sales for Electrochemical Grinding at MMT, describes electrochemical grinding (ECG) as a “combination of electrochemical dissolution with abrasive action.” In ECG, a conductive wheel and electrolyte solution remove material without creating heat-affected zones or mechanical stress.
The result is burr-free, low-force cutting ideal for delicate medical parts. MMT’s Tridex Technology leads in this field, enabling the efficient production of lancet, franseen, chiba, and trocar needle tips. ECG eliminates the need for secondary deburring and achieves consistent geometry at high volumes, setting a new standard for precision manufacturing.
Curious about the difference? Explore MMT’s grinding technology solutions to learn how ECG and automated precision systems can optimize your production process.
MMT’s Legacy of Innovation From Guidewires to Catheters
MMT’s roots in grinding innovation date back to the 1960s, when Glebar — now part of MMT — introduced the first automated grinding machine for guidewires. This breakthrough replaced slow, hazardous chemical etching processes with a cleaner and far more efficient mechanical solution.
The story, according to Bannayan, goes, “In 1964, Glebar introduced the first grinding machine to tackle these challenges directly. Over the years, Glebar has developed patented automated systems to tackle the increasing complexities and stringent precision requirements in the guidewire industry. This innovation has since become the industry standard for automated grinding. MMT’s suite of grinding equipment plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless guidewire manufacturing and shaping the diameters of catheters.”
Over the decades, MMT has advanced those capabilities to support catheter forming, needle shaping, and precision tube cutoff. Each development reflects a continuous pursuit of higher reliability for the devices patients depend on every day.
Beyond Grinding Building Complete Manufacturing Partnerships
MMT’s technology suite extends far beyond grinding. Through its family of brands, the company delivers complementary processes including balloon forming, coil winding, hole punching, and catheter tipping. Each solution is uniquely designed to streamline medical device production from prototype to scale.
A single-source partnership changes what efficiency looks like. Projects move faster and every adjustment happens within one unified process. Tom Travia emphasizes that MMT’s TotalCare Service provides “application expertise, technical solutions and global service,” offering customers lifecycle support that includes operator training, preventive maintenance, and continuous process optimization.
With TotalCare, manufacturers gain a long-term partner invested in sustaining peak production performance and adapting to evolving device demands.
Precision Without Limits: The Future of Medical Device Grinding
As medical devices become smaller and more complex, the need for ultra-precise, ultra-efficient repeatable manufacturing will continue to grow. MMT continues to push what’s possible through ongoing innovation in automation, gauging, and electrochemical technology.
Connect with the expert team at MMT to explore how advanced grinding and automation technologies can elevate your next-generation medical device production.
