The medical device manufacturing process is critical for any health care system. This process deals with any medical products that play a role in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating medical conditions. This includes a wide array of products.
Handheld instruments are essential when it comes to medical devices. These instruments usually kick in when it is not practical or convenient to use your hand or fingers. Examples of these instruments include tweezers and forceps. Each was designed with its own purpose in mind. Here we will walk you through the differences between the two and how to decide which one to use in your particular circumstance.
Forceps vs. Tweezers - What’s the Difference?
While forceps and tweezers are both used in medical device manufacturing, they are two entirely different instruments. One is used to grasp and hold objects, while the other is used to pick up or handle even smaller objects.
Forceps are very similar to tongs. They are an instrument used in medical procedures for grasping and holding objects. This handheld instrument is used for delicate operations when it is impractical to use your fingers. This is when fingers are either too large to grasp small objects or when many objects need to be held at one time while performing a task. The extractor consisting of a hinge and a pair of pincers makes them especially practical for delivering babies.
Tweezers are a much smaller instrument used for picking up or handling much smaller objects. This handheld instrument is made of metal and has a pair of pincers. Tweezers are used for objects too small to be handled with your fingers. They are used for plucking out very small and delicate objects like hair.
How are Tweezers Used in Medical Device Manufacturing?
Tweezers are high-precision handheld instruments used in the lab or during medical procedures. They are typically used for precision handling & manufacturing, microscopic work, electronic repair, and other applications in general. They usually consist of pincers with fine tips to grasp or extract objects in the lab or during medical procedures.
Here are the different types of tweezers designed for high precision tasks involving heat:
- Ceramic tweezers
- Ergonomic tweezers
- Exotic metals tweezers
- Miniature tweezers
- Plastic tweezers
- Reverse action tweezers
Tweezers that can be used for a variety of lab operations include the following:
Here are some specialty tweezers:
- Ultra-precision cobaltima tweezers. These tweezers have ultra-precision tips for high-power microscopy.
- Small parts handling tweezers. These tweezers are for use in hard-to-reach and tight areas.
- Cutting tweezers. Cutting tweezers are used to cut up soft wires.
How are Forceps Used in Medical Device Manufacturing?
Forceps are generally used to grasp tissue or objects. This handheld instrument usually has either a toothed or non-toothed tip. Adson forceps are toothed at the tip and handle dense tissue such as skin closings. Tissue forceps are non-toothed forceps used to handle delicate tissue and traction during dissection.
What is the Difference Between Hemostats and Forceps?
While both hemostats and forceps are medical instruments, one is used to clamp, and the other is used to grasp. A hemostat is used to clamp blood vessels or halt blood flow. Hemostats are designed either with a straight tip or a curved tip. Forceps are medical instruments used in surgery or a medical procedure for grasping or holding objects.
For over 62 years, Excelta Corporation has been providing innovative solutions for customers affiliated with precision hand assembly. One of the trusted names for premium quality small assembly hand tools, Excelta supplies a large inventory of tweezers, pliers, cutters, brushes, inspection tools, cutting tools, spudgers, and more. Aside from selling directly to customers, Excelta had also expanded its reach when it opened a vast distribution network to cater to different markets like medical device manufacturing, military electronics, electronic assembly and repair, consumer electronics, and other major markets. With their reputation as one of the most popular brands of assembly tools today, Excelta earned an impressive portfolio when they worked with the biggest clients in the world, including Rockwell, Hughes Aircraft, Texas Instruments, Raytheon, Intel, Agilent, IBM, and Hewlett Packard.
Lab Pro offers a large variety of chemicals and laboratory supplies. For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to delivering the highest quality chemicals, tweezers, and hard-wire cutters, lab supplies, and cleanroom PPE apparel to medical device and electronic manufacturing companies and laboratories worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online at 888-452-2776.