Buschmeier Medizintechnik Buschmeier Medizintechnik
Surface finishing in medical technology Made in Germany Learn more

Perfect surfaces for the highest demands in medical technology

CNC machining creates precision – surface finishing for medical technology perfects it. Only the appropriate surface treatment gives a precision component its functional, hygienic and optical properties. Depending on requirements, it improves corrosion protection, increases wear resistance, facilitates cleaning or provides a high-quality, long-lasting surface.

At Buschmeier Medical, precision components for medical technology, the laboratory sector and other demanding industries are refined using selected surface processes. In addition to functional properties, reproducible surface quality is the focus. Even before the actual surface finishing, aluminum components in particular are carefully fine-processed – through deburring, grinding and smoothing, uniform, high-quality surfaces are created as an optimal basis for the subsequent finishing.

The result: long-lasting components that meet the highest demands in terms of precision, hygiene, load-bearing capacity and design.

Why is Surface finishing in medical technology so important?

Metallic materials are exposed to various stresses every day. Moisture, cleaning chemicals, mechanical stress, or temperature fluctuations can affect the service life and function of a component. Through appropriate surface treatment, these influences can be significantly reduced.

Depending on the process, surface finishing improves, among other things:

  • corrosion protection
  • wear and scratch resistance
  • chemical resistance
  • cleanability
  • hygienic properties
  • electrical insulation or conductivity
  • surface appearance
  • the service life of a component

Especially in medical technology, these properties are crucial: medical devices are regularly cleaned and disinfected and must function reliably over the long term. High-quality surface finishing contributes significantly to the safety, quality, and longevity of the components.

Precise fine finishing as the basis of high-quality surfaces

A first-class surface begins long before the actual coating process. In particular, aluminum components at Buschmeier Medical are finely finished all around: through deburring, grinding and smoothing, tool marks and burrs are removed and defined surface structures are created. This creates optimal conditions for the subsequent coating or electrochemical treatment and improves both the technical quality and the later appearance of the component.

Benefits of this pre-treatment:

  • uniform surface structure
  • optimal adhesion of coatings
  • high-quality anodized layers
  • reduced surface roughness
  • pleasant tactile feel
  • improved cleanability
  • high-quality appearance of visible components

Our surface technologies for medical technology at a glance

Depending on the material, area of application and technical requirements, different processes are used. Buschmeier Medical already supports its customers during development in selecting the optimal surface solution.

Powder coating

During Powder coating an electrostatically charged powder coating system is applied to the component and then baked on. This produces a continuous, durable coating with high impact, scratch and corrosion resistance.

Advantages: 

  • high durability
  • wide range of colors
  • uniform surface
  • environmentally friendly process 
  • long-lasting coating

Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process for the surface finishing of aluminum. The oxide layer grows directly out of the aluminum and is firmly bonded to the base material. The surface remains metallic, is particularly wear-resistant, and provides excellent corrosion protection.

Advantages:

  • long-lasting corrosion protection
  • high-quality metallic appearance
  • high wear resistance
  • hygienic surface
  • no flaking coating

Chrome plating

In chrome plating, a thin layer of chromium is applied galvanically. Depending on the execution, the chromium layer improves wear resistance or provides a decorative high-gloss surface with increased corrosion protection.

Advantages: 

  • high surface hardness
  • excellent wear resistance
  • elegant high-gloss finish
  • improved corrosion protection
  • easy to clean

Galvanic zinc plating

Galvanic zinc plating protects steel components permanently against corrosion. A zinc layer prevents rust formation and increases the service life even under demanding operating conditions.

Advantages: 

  • reliable corrosion protection
  • economical process
  • long service life
  • durable surface
  • low maintenance

electropolishing

Electropolishing is an electrochemical process for the surface finishing of Stainless steel surfaces. An ultra-thin layer of material is removed in a controlled manner, microscopic roughness peaks are smoothed and the surface is permanently optimized.

The result: a particularly smooth, metallic, glossy surface with improved corrosion resistance and excellent hygienic properties. Dirt, particles and microorganisms adhere much less – a decisive advantage for medical technology, laboratory technology and hygiene-sensitive areas.

Advantages: 

  • reduced surface roughness
  • improved corrosion resistance
  • optimal cleanability
  • excellent hygienic properties
  • metallic, glossy surface
  • no additional coating
  • enhanced passive layer for long-lasting corrosion protection

Which surface finishing is suitable for which material?

The choice of the appropriate process depends on the material, the stresses it will be subjected to, and the functional requirements.

Material Suitable surface finishing
Aluminum Anodizing, Powder coating
Steel Galvanic zinc plating, Powder coating, Chrome plating
Stainless steel electropolishing, Chrome plating (depending on application), special surface treatment
Precision components depending on area of application and customer requirements

Already in the design phase, we advise our customers on the economically and technically optimal surface solution.

Quality down to the smallest detail

At Buschmeier Medical, surface finishing is an integral part of the entire manufacturing process. From material selection through CNC machining and fine finishing to the final coating, all process steps are aligned for reproducible quality and the highest precision.

Through close cooperation with qualified partners and defined quality standards, surfaces are produced that reliably meet both functional and optical requirements. This results in durable surfaces that permanently meet the high demands of medical technology.

FAQ – Surface finishing in medical technology

Why is Surface finishing important for precision components?
Metallic materials are exposed in daily use to moisture, cleaning and disinfectants, mechanical stress and temperature fluctuations. The appropriate Surface finishing protects components permanently from these influences and at the same time improves their functional, hygienic and optical properties. Processes such as electropolishing, Anodizing, Powder coating, Galvanic zinc plating or Chrome plating make a significant contribution to reliably meeting the high demands for hygiene, corrosion protection and durability.

Which surfaces are suitable for Aluminum?
For Aluminum, in particular Anodizing and Powder coating are used. Both processes offer reliable protection and different aesthetic properties.

Which surface is particularly resistant?
Depending on the area of application, Powder coatings offer high impact and scratch resistance, while technical chrome layers impress with their exceptional hardness.

Are the components machined before coating?
Yes. Aluminum components in particular are carefully finely finished before Surface finishing. This produces smooth, uniform surfaces that significantly improve the quality of the subsequent coating.

Does Buschmeier Medical assist with the selection of the appropriate surface?
Yes. Already during the development and design phase we advise our customers on the selection of the optimal Surface finishing – tailored to Material, area of application and technical requirements.