From tube to finished cannula
Metal processing is a key part of the production of high-quality disposable medical products at sfm medical devices GmbH. This is where precision-manufactured cannulas, needles, biopsy punches, and curettes are produced, as well as metal medical components that are used worldwide by medical and pharmaceutical companies. Companies looking for a reliable cannula manufacturer with a high degree of vertical integration will find an experienced partner in sfm with over 70 years of expertise.
Precision on 1,660 m² – series and custom cannula production
In a production area of around 1,660 m², we produce a portfolio of around 250 different items in continuous 3-shift operation. These include all common ground geometries and metal components used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Our qualified employees use their experience and precision to ensure consistently high quality – from prototypes to large series.
Standard dimensions and variants at a glance
Cannulas with outer diameters from 0.35 mm to 5.60 mm
Needles (solid-state)/trocars with an outer diameter of 0.18 mm and above
Skin/Biopsy punches in sizes 2 / 3 / 3.5 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 mm
Skin curettes for removing lesions in sizes 4 / 7 mm
This enables us to cover a wide range of applications in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, we regularly fulfill customer-specific special requirements.
Cannula production with up to 40 process steps
The production of medical metal components requires the highest level of technical expertise and process reliability. Depending on the product, our cannulas, needles, and metal components undergo up to 40 precisely defined individual operations. Each step is qualified, validated, and designed for reproducible quality.
The most important manufacturing steps in detail
Cutting – flexible and precise
Electrochemical, mechanical, thermal, and grinder cutting processes are available for cutting the tubes to length. This allows us to precisely adapt the cut quality and geometry to the respective application.
Grinding – the heart of cannula production
Grinding is the core process of our metal production. Two fully automatic grinding machines process the tube sections with high precision and simultaneously integrate the deburring and electropolishing steps. Semi-automatic operation is also possible for special products such as split cannulas.
Deburring – for clean edges and safety
Any burrs that arise are reliably removed using blasting, electrochemical processes, or special grinding tools. The result is clean edges and a consistently high surface quality—crucial for the safety of medical products.
Electrochemical marking – unique identification
We use electrochemical marking for permanent labeling. This allows us to create precise all-round markings that enable reliable identification and depth navigation of cannulas and needles.
Surface treatment – optimal bonding with plastic
Corundum blasting is used to roughen the ends of cannulas and needles in a targeted manner. This defined roughness structure improves adhesion when pressing or gluing into plastic components and significantly increases the strength of the connection – a clear advantage for further processing via in-house assembly.
Hammering/radial forging – the basis for high-quality pencil point cannulas
Hammering or radial forging is a special forming process for the targeted shaping of tube ends and forms the basis for the manufacture of high-quality pencil point cannulas. Depending on the respective product requirements, different forging dies are used.
Thanks to our many years of experience in metal forming, we are considered specialists in this demanding type of tip. With pencil point cannulas, the tip is completely closed by the forming process.
In downstream process steps, lateral openings in various geometries and designs can be incorporated into the cannula – precisely tailored to the respective medical/pharmaceutical application.
Embossing – functionality for split cannulas
Embossing involves creating a defined groove/weak point in the cannula. This process requires special manufacturing expertise and is essential for the production of splittable cannulas. These can be split open in a targeted manner for certain applications (e.g., suprapubic bladder puncture; insertion of a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) catheter in premature infants).
Electropolishing – maximum sharpness, minimum puncture force
Electropolishing optimizes the sharpness of the cannulas. The finest material removal at the cut improves cutting performance and significantly reduces puncture forces – a decisive factor for patient comfort and cannula quality.
Cleaning – a key process in medical technology
Final cleaning takes place in a fully automated cleaning system. This ensures that all products meet the high cleanliness requirements for med-tech products and are transferred to further processing, assembly, or packaging without leaving any residue.
Quality as a fundamental principle – your responsible cannula manufacturer
Quality is the top priority in metal production at sfm medical devices. All processes are qualified and validated, supplemented by continuous quality control and ongoing employee training. This ensures that every cannula, needle, and metal component meets the strict regulatory requirements of the international medical and pharmaceutical industry.
Are you looking for an experienced cannula manufacturer with a high degree of vertical integration, regulatory compliance, and personalized project support?
Then contact us directly and discuss your requirements with our experts.
+496053/8050
sfm medical devices GmbH – your partner from the idea to the production-ready cannula.
