DesignISCO 7311
Surgical instrument maker
Surgical instrument makers create, repair and design surgical instruments, such as clamps, graspers, mechanical cutters, scopes, probes and other surgical instruments.
Check yourself in a minute: surgical instrument maker
Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
assemble metal parts
join metals
operate precision measuring equipment
tend surface grinding machine
apply precision metalworking techniques
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (18)
surgical instrumentssurgical instrumentsSeries of instruments, such as cutting tools, clamps, distractors and forceps, used for medical interventions aiming to repair ruptured tissues, treat injuries or diseases, and ameliorate bodily funct...cold forgingcold forgingThe metalworking process of forging whilst hot metal is right below its recrystallisation temperature, being cooled and solidified after casting.hot forginghot forgingThe metalworking process of forging whilst the hot metal is right above its recrystallisation temperature after casting and being solidified.metal smoothing technologiesmetal smoothing technologiesThe various technologies used for the smoothening, polishing and buffing of fabricated metal workpieces.assemble metal partsassemble metal partsAlign and arrange steel and metal parts in order to assemble complete products; use the appropriate hand tools and gauges.join metalsjoin metalsJoin together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.operate precision measuring equipmentoperate precision measuring equipmentMeasure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, an...tend surface grinding machinetend surface grinding machineTend a metalworking machine designed to smoothen a metal surface by applying grinding, abrasive machine processes, monitor and operate it according to regulations.apply precision metalworking techniquesapply precision metalworking techniquesComply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.tend boring machinetend boring machineTend a boring machine, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.test accuracy of surgical instrumentstest accuracy of surgical instrumentsTest the accuracy of meters, gauges, indicators or other recording devices used in surgical equipment, and locate defective parts or non-conformity with specifications.manipulate stainless steelmanipulate stainless steelManipulate the shape, size and properties of stainless steel.heat metalsheat metalsHeat steel and metals in fire; adjust and regulate heat controls to reach appropriate pouring temperature.operate drilling equipmentoperate drilling equipmentOperate a range of drilling equipment, pneumatic as well as electrical and mechanical. Tend drilling equipment, monitor and operate it, according to regulations. Safely and efficiently drill holes usi...tend metal polishing machinetend metal polishing machineTend a metalworking machine designed to buff and polish metal surfaces, monitor and operate it according to regulations.tend lathetend latheTend a lathe designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.tend metal sawing machinetend metal sawing machineTend sawing machine designed for metal cutting processes, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.tend tumbling machinetend tumbling machineTend a machine designed to smoothen metal or stone surfaces by having the different pieces rub against each other inside a tumbling barrel, monitor and operate it according to regulations.
Optional (17) — show
spine surgeryspine surgeryThe incision along the backbone to access to the spinal cord and bones in order to treat spinal infections, trauma, deformity, tumors or degenerative conditions. The development of minimally invasive ...electroplating processeselectroplating processesThe various metalworking processes using electric current to form metal coating on an electrode and on the workpiece, such as pulse electroplating, pulse electrodeposition, brush electroplating, and o...medical devices materialsmedical devices materialsThe different materials used to create medical devices such as polymer materials, thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather. In the choice of materials, attention must be pai...ergonomicsergonomicsThe science of designing systems, processes and products that complement the strengths of people so that they can use them easily and safely.test medical devicestest medical devicesMake sure the medical devices fit the patient and test and evaluate them to ensure they work as intended. Make adjustments to ensure proper fit, function and comfort.manufacture medical devicesmanufacture medical devicesPut together medical devices according to company specifications and national and international regulations. Use specialised materials, tools, and machinery to assemble the medical devices. Apply mold...scale etchingsscale etchingsOperate reduction scales and set pantograph controls.manipulate medical devices materialsmanipulate medical devices materialsManipulate materials used in the manufacturing of medical devices such as metal alloys, stainless steel, composites or polymer glass.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment....calibrate electronic instrumentscalibrate electronic instrumentsCorrect and adjust the reliability of an electronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular i...use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.repair medical devicesrepair medical devicesRepair or modify medical appliances and supportive devices according to the specifications.operate sand blasting cabinetoperate sand blasting cabinetOperate an abrasive cabinet using sand and fine blasting abrasives, inside a cabinet containing the abrasive force, to erode and smoothen a rough surface.tend laser marking machinetend laser marking machineTend a machine designed to mark and engrave metal or plastic pieces by use of a laser beam exuding a concentrated heat source, monitor and operate it according to regulations.set up the controller of a machineset up the controller of a machineSet up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.ensure conformity to specificationsensure conformity to specificationsEnsure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.maintain medical devicesmaintain medical devicesEnsure all medical devices and appliances are properly stored and taken care of so they maintain their functionality and appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a surgical instrument maker do?
Surgical instrument makers create, repair and design surgical instruments, such as clamps, graspers, mechanical cutters, scopes, probes and other surgical instruments.
What skills does a surgical instrument maker need?
A surgical instrument maker needs 18 essential skills, including surgical instruments, cold forging, hot forging, metal smoothing technologies, assemble metal parts.
Will AI replace surgical instrument maker jobs?
The AI disruption score for surgical instrument maker is 35/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: scale etchings, ensure conformity to specifications, tend tumbling machine. Most resilient: heat metals, hot forging, manipulate stainless steel.
AI Replacement Risk
35/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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