Prototype Development

C-Axis delivers rapid, high-precision prototype development for implantable, surgical, and minimally invasive medical device components. Our Maple Plain C-AXIS 360 facility specializes in early-stage machining, design-for-manufacturability, and fast iteration cycles. This integrated approach allows customers to validate concepts sooner and transition smoothly into production.

C-Axis offers a prototype development process built for speed, precision, and collaboration. Our engineering and manufacturing teams work side-by-side to refine designs, validate manufacturability, and deliver production-quality prototypes that help customers move quickly and confidently through early development stages. With advanced equipment, rapid turnaround capabilities, and deep medical device expertise, we ensure every prototype is a reliable step toward full-scale production.

Advantages:

  • Fast turnaround times enabled by advanced multi-axis machining and dedicated prototype resources
  • Close engineering collaboration to optimize designs and reduce development risks
  • Production-level accuracy in every prototype for reliable testing and validation
  • Design-for-manufacturability support that accelerates transition from prototype to production
  • Access to full in-house capabilities including laser processing, EDM, finishing, and inspection
  • Medical device expertise ensuring designs meet strict industry, mechanical, and regulatory requirements
  • Smooth handoff to production through aligned processes between prototype and manufacturing facilities

Examples of Prototypes Developed

  • Implantable components for orthopedic, spine, trauma, cardiovascular, and neurovascular devices
  • Surgical instrument components including jaws, handles, housings, and articulation mechanisms
  • Minimally invasive device features such as micro-machined tubes, cannulas, trocars, and delivery system parts
  • Precision metal components with complex geometries and tight-tolerance micro-features
  • Laser-cut tubes and features for catheters, guidewires, and small-profile devices
  • Wire EDM prototypes for intricate shapes and delicate component designs
  • Custom assemblies and subcomponents for powered and mechanical surgical devices
  • Early-stage proof-of-concept parts to support R&D and design validation

We look at C-Axis 360 as an opportunity for our customers to save weeks of development time by having their project team come into our facility. Here they are assigned a C-Axis team (an Engineer, Technician, and Machinist) to work with to complete multiple iterations in one sitting, helping to improve the R&D timeline. Instead of doing things in series, our customers can do multiple potential design iterations in parallel and save six or seven weeks in their NPD cycles. — Olson