Medical composites have emerged to become transformative materials capable of changing lives for the better. Composites designed specifically for the medical device industry offer a new combination of strength, durability, and minimal weight. In addition, their biocompatibility makes them ideal for a wide range of medical devices.
Technological advancements are allowing companies like Aerodine Composites to help design and develop some of the most exciting medical devices in history. We are seeing incredible advances in orthotics, prosthetics, and even imaging equipment.
Advanced composites have been known for many years in the medical device industry for their superior strength, fatigue resistance, and ultra-lightweight characteristics. In more recent years, technological advancements have enabled the extension and application of these advanced composites for use in orthotics, prosthetics, and imaging support equipment. The characteristics of a number of composite materials have made them a favorite for both hard and soft tissue implant applications.
Beyond orthotics and prosthetics, we see growing demand for medical composites in imaging. In order to improve medical imaging, we need better equipment capable of doing more things. Composites are contributing to our ability to push imaging technology even further.
One of the fastest-growing uses of advanced composites in the medical industry is inpatient imaging tables and accessories used in X-ray, MRI, PET, and CT imaging systems. Carbon fiber composites are radiolucent, absorbing low levels of radiant energy. This characteristic minimizes signal attenuation that helps capture clear images in medical diagnostics.
Carbon fiber is also both lighter and stronger than steel and aluminum. Equipment can be made lighter and easier to handle without sacrificing strength and durability. Imaging quality also doesn’t have to be sacrificed in order to build equipment that’s easier to use.
Medical composites are known for key characteristics that prove themselves invaluable on a daily basis. Some of those characteristics are:
X-ray Transparency – Ensures clear and accurate imaging in X-ray, CT, and MRI procedures.
Shock Attenuation – Offers protection and comfort for patients, especially in orthotics and prosthetics.
Solvent/Steam Resistance – Maintains durability and integrity, even in the most demanding healthcare environments.
Exceptional Strength – Allows for the design and development of lightweight but durable medical devices.
With material characteristics such as these, it’s no wonder that the use of composites for medical applications is on the rise. The team at Aerodine Composites has a great deal of experience designing components that take advantage of each material’s key characteristics.
The devices and equipment we design are more than capable of withstanding the rigors of modern healthcare, as well as applications involving the human body. We are proud to support and deliver advanced composites for the medical industry.
Aerodine Composites works directly with manufacturing organizations, orthotics and prosthetics professionals, regulatory agencies, and the end-user to create custom solutions to complex medical requirements.
The medical composites field is an exciting one. As research and development continue to advance, companies like ours expect to see even more innovation and emerging applications for the medical industry.
Tomorrow’s medical composites will facilitate everything from customizable implants to wearable medical devices. They will enable better medical imaging, more capable diagnostics, and exciting therapies medical science hasn’t even thought of yet. And in the end, the payoff will be better outcomes for patients.
Aerodine Composites is committed to excellence and innovation in the medical composites field. We are perfectly positioned to come alongside as your partner in designing, developing, and manufacturing the next generation of medical devices and equipment.
Non-conductive, radiolucent composite X-ray tables designed for precision imaging and patient support.
Custom-molded composite orthotics offering strength, lightweight comfort, and long-term wearability.
Durable, ergonomic cervical support devices engineered with advanced composite materials.
Lightweight, form-fitted braces tailored to patient needs with impact-resistant composite structures.