Design and Development of Custom Fiberglass Medical Products

When designing medical equipment that saves lives, precision is only the start. Developers must consider the materials’ strength and flexibility, as well as how those materials will interact with the digital technology powering today's medical devices.

At Painted Rhino, we’ve seen how our manufacturing techniques continue to transform medical equipment design. Fiberglass makes everything possible, from MRI housing and chairlifts to newborn incubators and hydrotherapy tubs.

But why is fiberglass a superior building material for custom medical equipment? We’ll tell you everything you need to know here.

Non-Magnetic Properties

Magnetic interference can distort images created by X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound procedures. Because of this, imaging machines must be built from materials that lack magnetic properties.

This is where fiberglass comes into play. This material is tough, flexible, and non-magnetic, making it the ideal choice for building housing and components for sensitive imaging equipment.

Strength

Medical professionals need machines that can handle the rigors of daily use and abuse but are lightweight and easy to move around. Fiberglass has another advantage: not only does it compete with the strength of steel, but it weighs significantly less. Fiberglass can be up to 75% lighter than steel while still providing comparable strength.

Versatility

Medical equipment designers are innovative, which means they need custom designs. This is the beauty of fiberglass. Unlike other materials, fiberglass can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes and replicated over and over again with precision. This flexibility (and consistency) is critical for meeting the exact specifications of patients and healthcare providers.

Chemical Resistance

Custom medical equipment is exposed to various harsh materials, from bodily fluids to disinfectants. Over time, these substances corrode or degrade traditional building materials. Unlike metals, which rust or corrode when exposed to chemicals, or plastics, which break, crack, and discolor, fiberglass inherently resists most chemicals. This makes it an ideal material for medical equipment design.

Insulation

Equipment like newborn incubators and hydrotherapy tubs for rehabilitation requires precise temperature regulation. Fiberglass’s thermal insulation properties ensure not only consistent temperatures but also reduces energy costs while keeping patients comfortable.

Our Fiberglass in Action

Over the years, we've contributed to numerous medical equipment production projects and have helped build the fiberglass components for:

• MRI machines
• Foot spas
• Hydrotherapy tubs
• Wheelchair ramps
• Incubators
• Beds

Transforming Healthcare One Fiberglass Project at a Time

With over 100 years of combined experience, the Painted Rhino team will craft custom fiberglass medical equipment solutions for your unique applications. We’ll learn about your needs and present you with all available options and timelines. Contact us now to get started!