News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Tangible Solutions, an Ohio-based manufacturer of medical devices, has validated the quality and consistency of its 3D printed titanium spinal implants. The results of this validation were published in a recent study.
Nexxt Spine, an Indiana-based medical device manufacturer, has expanded its metal 3D printing capabilities with the installation of two Concept Laser Mlab 100R systems from GE Additive.
Chinese medical 3D printing provider Huaxiang Group has been granted landmark clearance from the country’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for a novel 3D printed spinal implant.
Korean researchers have utilized a 3D printer to fabricate more affordable and customizable artificial testicles for patients in need of a testis transplant.
3D printed implant developer Osteopore has teamed up with Maastricht University Medical Centre (UMC+) to develop a bioresorbable bone implant that could prevent lower leg amputations, made possible using a 3D printer.
Global medical technology firm Stryker, that has rapidly become a leader in 3D printed titanium implants, has announced plans to invest €200 million (approximately $225.8 million) for expansion of it’s R&D facilities in the Irish city of Cork.
California-based medical 3D printing service bureau PrinterPrezz has partnered with UCSF Surgical Innovations, an incubator-accelerator for medtech innovators at UC San Francisco.
Belgian software and 3D printing service provider Materialise has acquired a 75 percent stake in Engimplan, a Brazil-based medical device manufacturer. In this agreement, Materialise will apply its medical 3D printing expertise to Engimplan’s device portfolio. Together, the two companies will work to accelerate the introduction of 3D printed medical implants and instruments to the Brazilian market.
Thrive Orthopedics, a distribution enterprise founded in 2017, debuted its very own product line with 3D-printed orthoses called the Balance 3D+ Brace, an ankle foot orthoses (AFO). The brace reduces postural sway and increases postural stability. This relative newcomer to the AM scene has created an orthotic that lines the sole of one’s foot while also bracing the heel and calf for additional support. The company prides itself on the elegance and aesthetically pleasing look of its product. It also projects product prices in line with industry standards.
Once thought destined mainly for prototyping, additive manufacturing is now increasingly employed in the development of spare parts, small series production and tooling in forward-thinking manufacturing industries such as aerospace, electronics, automotive and medical devices. Among industries at the forefront of innovative manufacturing, the medical sector has emerged as a major segment driving the growth of additive manufacturing: France’s 3D MedLab operates at the forefront of this segment