Summary. In industries like medical and food processing, “almost perfect” isn’t acceptable. Equipment must meet stringent standards for safety, cleanliness, and aesthetics—especially at welded joints. In medical device manufacturing, welds must withstand repeated sterilization, be biocompatible, and appear flawless in patient-facing environments. Food processing equipment requires welds free of pits and gaps that could trap bacteria, while also meeting FDA and 3-A Sanitary Standards. Precision welding techniques like TIG, pulsed TIG, and laser welding are crucial for achieving the strength, smoothness, and uniformity these industries demand. Material choice matters too, with 304/316 stainless steel and specialty alloys preferred for their hygiene and durability. At Mathison Manufacturing, we specialize in tight-tolerance fabrication and specialty welding, delivering sanitary, structurally sound, and visually impeccable results for food and medical device manufacturers.

Sometimes 99% isn’t good enough. Or even 99.99%.

In the medical and food industries, “good enough” is synonymous with failure.

It’s because these are highly regulated industries in which equipment must not only function flawlessly — it must also meet strict cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic standards requiring precision welded joints.

Specialty Welding in Medical Device Applications

Medical devices face some of the strictest regulatory and performance demands of any industry, requiring sanitary welding. Welds must:

• Retain strength, resist fatigue, and avoid distortion when undergoing repeated, high-temperature sterilization cycles (autoclaving, chemical sterilization, UV disinfection). Proper heat control, joint design, and material selection are critical.
• Be biocompatible, with no risk of interaction with human tissue or fluids.
• Present a polished, professional appearance in patient-facing environments.

Why Precision Welding Matters in Medical Device Manufacturing

Poorly executed welds in medical components can:

• Create crevices that trap biological material, defeating sterilization efforts. Sanitary welds need to be fully penetrated to eliminate internal voids, transition smoothly between surfaces, and have consistent bead profiles with no gaps or spatter.
• Weaken structural integrity, risking failure under mechanical stress or thermal cycling.
• Introduce cosmetic flaws that are unacceptable in patient-visible medical devices and equipment (surgical tools, diagnostic equipment, mobility aids, etc.). Achieving this requires precise TIG welding and controlled post-weld finishing, and must meet the following compliance standards: ISO 13485 (medical device quality management), and Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).

Sanitary Welding in Food Processing Applications

The food processing equipment fabrication process must ensure there will be no risk of bacterial contamination, enable easy cleaning, and comply with food safety regulations. Sanitary welds must be smooth and blended to enhance both cleanability and visual appeal.

Welded joints are a common failure point in food processing equipment. Poorly welded joints:

✅ Result in pits or gaps that trap bacteria or food particles

✅ Create stress concentrations that cause cracking

✅ Reveal aesthetic flaws that customers find off-putting

To eliminate risk of bacterial growth, sanitary welds need to be:

✅ Fully penetrated

✅ Smooth, with no crevices

✅ Uniform in profile, with no gaps

Key compliance standards include:

✅ FDA regulations for food contact surfaces

✅ 3-A Sanitary Standards (especially for dairy equipment)

✅ cGMP for food manufacturing

Materials and Techniques Used in Both Industries

The most common and safest materials to use in the medical device manufacturing and food processing equipment fabrication include:

✅ 304 and 316 stainless steel — corrosion-resistant, hygienic

✅ Aluminum — lightweight structural components

✅ Specialty alloys — for demanding environments

The most common specialty welding techniques to ensure safety and durability include:

• TIG welding (tungsten inert gas) — ideal for thin, cosmetic, and precision welds
• Pulsed TIG — for ultra-thin or heat-sensitive materials
• Spot welding — for certain subassemblies
• Laser welding — for ultra-narrow, low-distortion welds

Mathison Manufacturing has deep experience and expertise in specialty TIG welding, sanitary welding practices, and tight-tolerance fabrication, enabling us to bring safe, reliable, and visually exceptional products to the food and medical industries. Whether you need flawless cosmetic welds, structurally sound assemblies, or fully sanitary equipment, Mathison Manufacturing will deliver.

Founded in 1959, Mathison Manufacturing is a trusted partner in precision contract manufacturing, specializing in tight-tolerance sheet metal fabrication, electromechanical assemblies, and complex, high-end solutions. Known for exceptional craftsmanship, responsive service, and a customer-first mindset, Mathison is dedicated to delivering quality products and building lasting partnerships that help customers grow.

Let’s work together on your next project! 262-542-7296 | info@mathisonmfg.com