In the medical sector, the choice of materials is essential to guarantee safety, hygiene, durability, and precision. At Fratelli Poli, with our long-standing experience in metalworking and die construction, we understand how crucial it is to adopt reliable solutions for devices and components intended for healthcare applications.

In this article, we analyze the metals most suitable for the medical field, the required technical characteristics, and how Fratelli Poli supports companies in the design and production of metal components for medical devices.

Which metals are most commonly used in medical applications?

Metals used in the medical sector must meet very high standards and, depending on their end-use, ensure safety, longevity, and biocompatibility.

1. 1. Stainless steel for medical use (AISI 316L)
Stainless steel 316L is one of the most widely used materials in the production of: surgical instruments, laboratory equipment, and components for medical devices.

Advantages:

• • High corrosion resistan
  • Excellent machinability
  • Surface easily sterilizable
  • High mechanical strength

2. Titanium and titanium alloys for medical use
Medical-grade titanium is chosen for orthopedic prostheses, dental implants, and biocompatible screws and plates.

Main features:

• • Excellent biocompatibility
  • Lighter than steel
  • High fatigue and corrosion resistance
  • Suitable for permanent use inside the human body

3. Anodized aluminum for non‑implantable medical devices
Used for lightweight components or precision instruments.

Benefits:

• • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Good surface resistance thanks to anodization
  • Can be treated to achieve hygienic finishes

What types of metal does Fratelli Poli work with in the medical sector?

At Fratelli Poli, we primarily work with high-strength stainless steels, especially 316L and other alloys specific for medical applications—selected according to international safety standards, compatibility with sterilization processes, and mechanical properties suitable for cold stamping. We also perform deep drawing of external structures in aluminum, chosen for its heat dissipation capability and low weight..

What is cold metal stamping and why is it suitable for medical use?

Cold stamping deforms metal without heating, producing precise shapes with high mechanical integrity. Benefits include:

1. High repeatability and quality
2. Smooth, rounded surfaces ideal for sterilization
3. Tight tolerance control
4. No heat-induced material changes

How are metal dies for medical components made?

Die construction requires advanced expertise. With over 50 years of experience in metalworking and mold building, Fratelli Poli is a trusted partner for companies in the medical sector. We handle the full process in-house: from 3D CAD design tailored to each client, to high-precision machining, quality control, and mold optimization based on production volume.

What added value does Fratelli Poli offer to the medical sector?

Fratelli Poli brings tangible benefits through cost optimization and production efficiency, supported by advanced technological solutions:

1. Reduced production costs: by analyzing frequently used parts across devices (like brackets, fasteners, supports), we develop small stamping and bending dies that, at high volumes, drastically reduce unit costs and speed up production. This standardizes components for future machinery, reducing inventory and logistics costs.
2. Elimination of welds: By redesigning welded parts into single-piece deep-drawn components, we enhance mechanical and aesthetic quality, eliminate welding seams, and improve hygienic performance—especially for parts intended to hold liquids or ensure sealing. Weld irregularities that trap contaminants are replaced by smooth, rounded shapes from deep drawing.

Finally, our 3D laser cutting technology allows us to:

• Eliminate the need for blanking dies by directly cutting complex geometries on drawn parts
• Quickly customize product variants (e.g. holes, openings) without extra die cost

Thanks to these technical solutions, at Fratelli Poli we don’t see ourselves as just a supplier—but as a strategic partner in designing and producing metal components for medical devices.

For further insights into our manufacturing technologies, explore our sections on cold sheet stamping, progressive die construction, and deep drawing.