For a long time, 2D drawings were the only way to convey product design information. In the last
twenty years, 3D models have been a game changer.
So how can 2D be used in the medical device development process in 2021?
2D drawings simplify the new 3D models and directly present key information, such as dimensions
and tolerances, useful for important decisions.
2D medical devices drawings have different graphics than medical device 3D models and also
contain manufacturing instructions. The 2D views also have all the references and detailed
dimensions so you don’t always have to rely on a 3D model.
When manufacturers want to know the quality of a part, or whether all dimensions have been
respected, they need the 2D drawings.
Also, on many occasions (e.g. in a shop floor) hard copies are preferred, so cheap and easy-to-print
2D medical devices drawings are still very useful.
Here are 4 reasons why you still need 2D drawings in medical device engineering:
- Flexible Design – One of the advantages of using 2D CAD is that the medical device design can
be changed easily. Unlike traditional, paper-based or sophisticated 3D medical devices CAD
models, on a digital platform the layout can be changed in a few clicks. This is mainly useful at the
beginning of the medical device development process. You can experiment with different options
until you are completely satisfied with the design, addressing potential product issues and
assuming how the elements would fit together in the final product, before finalising the
development in 3D CAD. - Easy to Use – 3D CAD tools offer numerous functions for medical device engineering, but these
are not needed in the early stages of medical device development. 2D CAD tools, on the other
hand, are important at the beginning as they contain essential functions that are easy to
understand and use. They include a layer, line types, line weights and more. Thanks to the 2D
method, non-expert engineers/CAD users can draw some ideas to start communicating with other
stakeholders and technical staff for further development.
- Error-Free – As there are few manual calculations, 2D CAD does not permit many errors. Medical
device engineers can digitally create various (mechanical) components very precisely and then
modify them according to requirements without making mistakes.
As a result, designs are more accurate and faster and have minimal manual input. - Time and Cost-Saving – 2D CAD software allows medical device engineering to focus on critical
areas. In addition, digital drawings can be shared easily between the teams involved. This means
that everyone is updated in the same way and if someone finds errors, they can be dealt with
quickly and relatively easily.
Thus, the whole process becomes much faster.
Utilizing both 2D and 3D can help achieve medical project optimization as it improves
interoperability and reduces manual updates. 2D medical devices CAD can help at different stages
of medical device development: in the early stage it allows you to quickly draw concepts and
assess feasibility; in the transfer-to-production stage it helps to create drawings for shop floor
requirements and further share them with team members. In return, 3D medical devices CAD
tools can help with designing testing (e.g. FMEA for structural calculation), visualization (e.g.
photorealistic renderings), error detection (e.g. automatic interference checking) and
manufacturability optimization (e.g. mold flow analysis).
Thus, although 3D CAD models are widespread, 2D drawings are still necessary for medical device
development.
Creanova has a team of engineers and manufacturing experts happy to help you with all your
design and engineering needs.
For 20 years, Creanova has been supporting Med-Tech companies throughout the entire medical
device development process, from the early stages of feasibility studies to industrial design,
medical device engineering (2D and 3D CAD) and prototyping, up to tooling and contract
manufacturing (ISO 13485 certified).
So get in touch with us and let’s work together to make your project a reality!
