Medical

By Karol Gregorczyk, global account director, TR Fastenings

The medical equipment industry is experiencing huge growth, driven by rapid technological advancements, increasing focus on healthcare infrastructure, the need for innovation and increased life expectancy. As manufacturers push the boundaries of medical device development, high-quality fasteners play a crucial role in ensuring reliability, safety and efficiency.

For over 30 years, TR Fastenings has been a trusted supplier of fasteners and components to the healthcare industry. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the market, TR is firmly positioned as a reliable partner for medical equipment manufacturers.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global MedTech market was valued at approximately USD $518 billion (€470 billion) in 2023 with projections suggesting it will reach around USD $886 billion (€805 billion) by 2032. This trajectory highlights the increasing role of medical devices in modern healthcare systems.

In response to the evolving needs of the MedTech industry, TR Fastenings has enhanced its capacity to support both established medical equipment manufacturers and new entrants diversifying into this sector. With technical expertise, real-time inventory availability, a wide range of fasteners, and an intricate global supply chain, TR has been able to accelerate time to market for its clients.

Manufacturing excellence and supply chain optimisation

TR Fastenings not only supplies high-quality fasteners but also manufactures a wide range of its own products, ensuring stringent quality control and enhanced supply chain efficiency. With a global network of manufacturing facilities, TR is committed to supply chain optimisation, reducing lead times and enhancing operational efficiencies for customers. The company’s in-house engineering expertise also enables the design and production of bespoke fastener solutions tailored to the unique needs of the medical sector, further strengthening TR’s value proposition.

The role of fasteners in medical devices

Although fasteners are typically the smallest components in medical devices, they play an essential role in the assembly, functionality, and structural integrity of the equipment. This is why collaborating with a knowledgeable fastener manufacturer early in the design stage can prevent costly redesigns after product launch. TR engineers are fully engaged in the design process, making critical recommendations for the interface between the fastener and the medical device.

Comprehensive product range

TR Fastenings supplies a wide array of products tailored for the medical sector, including:

• Fasteners for sheet metal: Self-clinch fasteners, Hank^® rivet bushes, blind rivet nuts, blind rivets, weld nuts, K-Series^® nuts, K-Series^® thin nuts, CD weld studs, masking caps & plugs, spring steel fasteners, solid & tubular rivets.
• Fasteners for plastic: Plas-Tech 30-20^®, screws for plastic, inserts for plastic, compression limiters.
• Stainless products: High-grade stainless steel fastenings suitable for various medical applications.
• Plastic & rubber hardware: Circuit board hardware, cable management solutions, rivets and panel fasteners, machine screws, nuts, washers, bumpers, masking caps & plugs.
• Enclosure hardware: Locking systems, locks, lock components, clamps & terminals, gaskets, hinges, latches, accessories.
• Castors: Swivel braked, swivel, fixed castors suitable for medical equipment mobility.

These components are integral to a range of vital medical equipment products, including ventilators, medical beds and furniture, ultrasound machines, medical imaging equipment, defibrillators, incubators, medical computer stands, volumetric pumps and infusion devices, vacuum extractors and many others.

Innovative security solutions

Recognising the importance of equipment security in medical settings, TR has introduced a range of security fasteners designed to prevent tampering and theft. The innovative 5-lobe pin fasteners, made from corrosion-resistant A4-70 stainless steel, feature a unique 5 sectioned screw head that can only be undone with specialist tools, providing a strong line of defence against unauthorised removal.

Application engineering excellence

In addition to offering a diverse product range, TR provides application engineering expertise. TR’s engineers collaborate closely with customers, offering design support and making critical recommendations to ensure optimal integration of fasteners into medical devices. This partnership approach helps mitigate potential issues and enhances the overall quality and reliability of the final product.

The future of fasteners in the medical industry

As the medical industry continues to innovate, the role of fasteners will become even more critical in supporting the next generation of medical devices. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare is accelerating the development of automated diagnostic tools, robotic-assisted surgeries and smart medical devices. These advancements demand precision-engineered fastening solutions that can integrate seamlessly with cutting edge medical technologies.

Moreover, the increasing adoption of 3D printing in medical device manufacturing is changing how components are designed and assembled. Bespoke fasteners tailored to specific applications will be key in enabling efficient production and enhanced performance.

TR Fastenings remains committed to meeting these challenges. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer collaboration, TR is poised to support the medical equipment manufacturing sector’s growth in the years to come.