Materials & Manufacturing

Solvent-Free 3D Printing Material Could Enable Biodegradable Implants

In a paper published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, researchers at Duke University have invented a new solvent-free polymer for DLP printing. Besides eliminating the shrinkage problem, the lack of solvent also results in improved mechanical properties of the part while maintaining the ability to degrade in the body. Read on to learn more.

Maximizing the Potential of TPU Extrusion in Medical Tubing Applications

Achieving the best results during TPU extrusion is about choosing the right material and dialing in the process by tackling routine challenges like moisture control, extruder setup, and pressure management. When these details are properly accounted for, OEMs can benefit from a smoother, more consistent extrusion that meets stringent medical device requirements. Read on to learn more.

New Process Means Faster 3D Printing

Researchers have developed a printing process that prints strong nonmetallic materials in record time — five times faster than traditional 3D printing. The process, called SWOMP, which stands for Selective dual-wavelength Olefin metathesis 3D printing, uses dual-wavelength light, unlike the traditional printing process. Read on to learn more.

Factors and Requirements for Adhesive Selection in Medical Devices, Part 1

Part 1 of this article examines adhesive bonding of plastics in medical devices. The set of desired properties for medical-grade adhesives ultimately depends upon the specifics of the application and the kind of sterilization process that will be used. Read on to learn more.

Videos of the Month

See the videos of the month, including one on advanced manufacturing processes; one on immune cells called regulatory T-cells; one on a bridge recombinase mechanism, a precise and powerful tool to recombine and rearrange DNA in a programmable way; and one on drug-loaded 3D printed films, which could change cancer treatments forever.

Product Focus: Manufacturing/Assembly Equipment

See where the product focus is this month: On Aven's Mighty Vue Inspector; a spot welder from Amada Weld Tech; a flexible screw conveyor from Hapman; and Rösler's mass finishing technology.

Medical Podcasts

Listen to our medical podcasts, including one on 3D printing in healthcare; one on robotics and cobots in medical device production; one on the challenges of achieving biocompatibility, meeting medical-grade standards, and navigating the regulatory landscape for 3D printed devices; and one taking a look at how printed health is transforming medicine.

A Band-Aid for the Heart? New 3D Printing Method Makes This, and Much More, Possible

In the quest to develop lifelike materials to replace and repair human body parts, scientists face a formidable challenge: Real tissues are often both strong and stretchable and vary in shape and size. A CU Boulder-led team has taken a critical step toward cracking that code. They’ve developed a new way to 3D print material that is at once elastic enough to withstand a heart’s persistent beating, tough enough to endure the crushing load placed on joints, and easily shapable to fit a patient’s unique defects. Read on to learn more.

3D Printed Active Fabric

Scientists have developed an innovative wearable fabric that is flexible but can stiffen on demand. Developed through a combination of geometric design, 3D printing, and robotic control, the new technology, RoboFabric, can quickly be made into medical devices or soft robotics. Read on to learn more about it.

Hydrogel Implant Treats Endometriosis

Researchers have now developed the first hydrogel implant designed for use in fallopian tubes. This innovation performs two functions: one is to act as a contraceptive, the other is to prevent the recipient from developing endometriosis in the first place or to halt the spread if they do. Read on to learn more.

An Inside Look at Designing Drug-Delivery Pumps

A look at the unique drive assembly challenges that drug-delivery pumps present and how to mitigate those challenges.

Making Bandages from Artificial Spider Silk

Researchers have made their own version of fake spider silk, but this one consists of proteins and heals wounds instead of haunting hallways. The artificial silk is strong enough to be woven into...

Emerging Trends in Drug Delivery

A look at drug-delivery innovations that will shape the landscape and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients in the future.

Pens and Autoinjectors as Drug-Delivery Options

In the future of drug delivery, pens and autoinjectors will provide convenience, accuracy, and improved patient outcomes.

Product of the Month

See the product of the month, Bally Ribbon Mills' product line of medical textiles and fabrics ideal for use in cardiovascular, orthopedic, and dental prosthetic applications. Read on to learn more about it.

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including Raltron's line of mobile speakers for use in IoT, wearable, headset/hearing, smart home, consumer, and medical devices; miniature rotor motors from Portescap; a Class 1 laser workstation from Amada Weld Tech; Parvalux by maxon's rapidly prototyped motors; a 3D laser-based, computer-vision system from Coherix; compact EtherCAT brushless servo motor models from Teknic; and more.

Streamlining Medical Device Development and Manufacturing Using Silicone Elastomers

This article compares high consistency silicone rubbers, liquid silicone rubbers, and low consistency elastomers, analyzing their characteristics and the implications in selecting each during different phases in the development of silicone medical devices. Read on to learn more.

Material Improves Implantable Technology

Borophene is more conductive, thinner, lighter, stronger, and more flexible than graphene, the 2D version of carbon. Now, researchers have made the material potentially more useful by imparting chirality — or handedness — on it. Read on to learn what this could mean for advanced sensors and implantable medical devices.

Eco-Friendly 3D Printing

A method for 3D printing called vapor-induced phase-separation 3D printing, or VIPS-3D, can create single-material as well as multi-material objects. Read on to learn more about it.

MD&M Minneapolis, an MD&M Event

MD&M Minneapolis is the sourcing home for hundreds of different types of suppliers. From medical device components to medical packaging, it has everything, and more, under one roof. Read on to learn more about the region’s most comprehensive medical design and manufacturing event — MD&M Minneapolis — part of Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis.

3D Printed Microneedle Technology Transforms Remote Healthcare

A revolutionary system combines remote health monitoring and drug delivery using 3D-printed hollow microneedles. This innovative approach promises to transform healthcare...

AI's Role in Advanced Medtech Manufacturing

AI is optimizing manufacturing efficiency, quality control, and supply chain management.

Cadence Rebrands to Reflect Commitment to Innovation

Cadence, Inc., a provider of vertically integrated contract manufacturing solutions to the medtech and pharma markets, is excited to announce a significant milestone in the company’s...

Product of the Month

See the product of the month: MMT's benchtop balloon forming machine, for the precise production of structural heart, large platform, and thick wall high-pressure balloons.

Wearable Devices Get Signal Boost from Innovative Material

An international team of researchers developed the material by embedding clusters of highly dielectric ceramic nanoparticles into an elastic polymer. The material was reverse-engineered to not only mimic skin elasticity and motion types, but also to adjust its dielectric properties to counter the disruptive effects of motion on interfacing electronics, minimize energy loss and dissipate heat.

Flexible Film Senses Nearby Movements

A soft, flexible film senses the presence of nearby objects without physically touching them. The study features the new sensor technology to detect eyelash proximity in blink-tracking glasses. Read on to learn more.

Exploring Robotics and Cobots in Medical Device Production

How robotics and cobots are providing increased efficiency and quality in the medical device production process.

Overcoming Challenges in Material Selection for 3D Printed Medical Devices

In this season, we are taking an in-depth look at Printed Health: Transforming Medicine with Advanced Manufacturing, and this episode will focus specifically on...