Factors to Consider Selecting Bearings for Medical Equipment

Bearings are essential for reducing machine friction in different machines and helping them operate smoothly. For the medical equipment, precision and accuracy are non-negotiable. Whether it is operating an MRI machine, a surgical robot, or a diagnostic tool, the performance of these devices relies on the seamless operation of their components. No matter how small, every component plays a crucial role in the easy functioning of devices that directly impact patient care. 

Bearings are an important component that allows medical equipment like X-ray machines, oxygen compressors, and many more machinery to operate efficiently and precisely when it is often overlooked in their significance. For this reason, when purchased from a bearing manufacturing company, bearings for medical equipment can provide more efficiency and productivity to withstand the daily wear and tear of medical processes. 

This blog covers all the critical parameters when choosing bearings for medical devices and medical applications to ensure optimal performance, durability, and patient care. 

Important Selection Parameters of Bearings for Medical Equipment 

Load Capacity and Durability

Medical tools involve intricate motions and carry heavy loads in wide applications. Bearings for medical usage can withstand the dynamic forces exerted during operation. Evaluating the load capacity of the bearings is pivotal to ensure they can endure the stresses imposed by the medical device. Additionally, the durability of bearings is important because medical equipment often undergoes frequent and intense usage.

Corrosion Resistance

The medical environment involves a high level of cleanliness and hygiene. Bearings used in medical equipment must resist corrosion, as exposure to cleaning agents and sterilization processes is primary. In this situation, Stainless steel bearings are a high priority due to their corrosion-resistant properties, ensuring the longevity and reliability of medical devices. 

Lubrication and Maintenance

Effective lubrication ensures the bearings' prolonged life and seamless functioning. In healthcare environments, where equipment must adhere to strict cleanliness criteria, choosing bearings suitable for medical-grade lubricants is essential. Moreover, when you opt for bearings that are purchased from bearing manufacturers with sealed or shielded designs, it can help mitigate the risk of contamination. Also, it minimizes the necessity for frequent maintenance of a sterile environment.

Bearings can be set with lubrication that lasts the whole life of the device, or they might need more lubrication over time. There are many greases and oils to choose from, and each is better suited for different temperatures, chemicals, and challenges the device might face.

Noise and Vibration Levels

Medical appliances are commonly used in places like operating rooms and diagnostic areas, where too much noise and shaking can cause problems and affect the accuracy of machines. It's crucial to select bearings for medical applications that don't make much noise and have low vibrations to keep things quiet and steady during medical procedures. For this purpose, EMQ bearings are suitable for more comfortable and provide precise results. 

Reducing noise is an important aspect of choosing bearings for medical equipment. Equipment running at high speeds tends to produce more noise, and it's crucial to avoid disturbing sounds for patients and medical professionals.

Unwanted noise can stem from a few different things. If there's insufficient space inside, the bearings might not move properly in different directions. Putting too much weight on the bearings can also tear the parts, creating more shaking and noise. 

Bearing Application Requirements

A fundamental consideration when selecting bearings for medical equipment is the load capacity. Different medical devices operate under varying loads, and choosing bearings that can withstand and distribute these loads is crucial. Additionally, understanding the specific application requirements, such as speed, acceleration, and deceleration, is essential to ensure the bearings are tailored to the unique demands of the medical equipment.

Some medical tools move regularly, but dental drills or saws can spin fast. It would be best to have special bearings that can handle these high speeds without problems like EMQ bearings. Knowing the bearings basics with their different types and selecting the bearings that are precisely used for medical applications can also help reduce heat and noise. 

For example, Angular contact bearings are a type of bearing that can usually deal with higher speeds. Sometimes, you might need to change the parts to stabilize them at high speeds. Making the spaces where the parts move more exactly can boost the parts’ speed capabilities, which could be necessary depending on the medical equipment you use. 

Material Selection

The performance and lasting quality of bearings are greatly influenced by the bearing material they are made up of. In the medical domain, where maintaining sterility and resisting corrosion are crucial, stainless steel emerges as a widely favored option. For particular uses, bearings crafted from materials like ceramics or plastics might be contemplated, given their benefits, such as being lightweight and resistant to specific chemicals.

When considering the materials for bearings purchased from bearings and bushes suppliers, various factors come into play, influencing the decision-making process. Surgical instruments and other machinery often encounter bodily fluids, harsh chemicals, and substances that can lead to corrosion or other complications. 

For this reason, materials like stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic are selected for high levels of corrosion resistance, offering the benefit of prolonging the lifespan of components and maintaining a hygienic environment.

Additionally, specific equipment may require components capable of withstanding elevated temperatures. For instance, bearings designed for dentists and require autoclaving for medical purposes must endure periods of heat exposure used in sterilizing surgical tools and equipment. 

It is crucial to customize each element to the specific environmental conditions and functional requirements, as the selected materials directly influence the service life of the bearings. Material selection matters when choosing the bearings for perfect medical application requirements.

Precision and Accuracy

In medical applications, precision is highly important during operations and patient care. For this purpose, bearings play a crucial role in providing precision and accuracy through their motion control, enabling the accurate functioning of devices like robotic surgical systems or imaging equipment. For this reason, high-precision bearings with minimal effort are essential for achieving the accuracy that is required in medical procedures and diagnostics. 

Medical equipment demands high precision, especially in applications like imaging devices or robotic surgery systems. Bearings with tight tolerances and high precision are crucial to ensure accurate positioning and smooth movements. Understanding the specific precision requirements of the medical equipment is paramount when selecting bearings to guarantee optimal performance.

Select the Best Bearings for Medical Applications From the Experts

Selection of Bearings for medical applications is a critical decision that directly impacts the performance, reliability, and safety of devices used in patient care. Carefully consider factors such as load capacity, material selection, lubrication, noise levels, and precision requirements to ensure important results.

For this purpose, Medical professionals can make informed choices that contribute to the easy operation of medical devices and, ultimately, the well-being of patients. Suppose you are in a medical profession and require medical equipment with low-noise bearings. You can contact a bearing manufacturing company that offers a diverse range of bearings suitable for different medical applications.