Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Co. Name
Product:
Part:
Materials selection performed by:
Date:
Sheet:
X of Y
Description:
Assumptions:
Information sources:
Conclusions:
Signature:
Name:
Date:
Checked: (if appropriate)
Name:
Date:
Figure 8.4
Typical materials selection pro forma.
Do not forget that if you have been in medical devices for some time your own experience
counts, as do your own precedents.
8.5.4 Research
Now we are going back to Chapter 5, “Developing Your Product Design Specification.” Here,
if you remember, I introduced the concept of the data cloud (Figure 5.4). I also introduced the
concept of the mini-PDS for particular items. Your research to generate this mini-PDS will
almost certainly provide information that gives you pointers to materials that can be used. It is
almost certain that your end-users will have a good idea of commonly used materials, as will
your manufacturing chain.
However one area of research, often untapped, is scientific journals. Many companies have
their products tested versus competitors by a university research group who then publish
the findings. These papers often contain material specifications! Equally, there is a wealth
of clinical research papers that look at the performance of these devices; the same applies.
The third type of paper is one which looks at issues related to certain devices (and often their
materials); again, the same applies.
If you conduct a thorough research project you will, almost certainly, find clear pointers to
materials that can be used. To start, one of the best topics for materials selection is Ashby (2004) .
If you are researching a new material that has never been used in this type of device before,
then some desk and laboratory research is essential. Tying up with a university not only
brings independence, it can also bring match funding. Indeed, many universities offer
materials expertise as a service to industry.
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