Materials & Manufacturing

Implementing Lean Six Sigma in the Medical Device Industry

Through universal models of self-evaluation and data analysis, the LSS methodology has proven to be an excellent tool in fostering major improvements within a business. In the medical device industry, it is particularly important that manufacturers maintain a mindset of continuous improvement and are willing to collaborate in the pursuit of common goals. Read on to learn more about it.

Why Photochemical Etching Is Becoming Critical for High-Precision Medical Manufacturing

The medical industry demands precision, biocompatibility, and reliability — all of which are fundamental strengths of PCE. As manufacturers continue to innovate, PCE will remain at the forefront of high-precision medical manufacturing, ensuring that medical devices perform at the highest level to improve patient outcomes worldwide. Read on to learn more.

Beyond The Illusion of Design for Additive Manufacturing In Medical Devices

The promise of additive manufacturing (AM) in the medical device industry has always been clear, the ability to create intricate geometries, patient-specific implants, and previously impossible structures. The reality, however, is far less inspiring. Read on to learn more.

Building a Strong Medical Device Supply Chain

Contract manufacturing partners play a vital role in the medical device supply chain. Their capability to meet precise design specifications is essential. When they consistently deliver high-quality results on schedule and within budget, they provide substantial value, helping manufacturers reduce risk, accelerate time to market, and maintain regulatory compliance. Read on to learn more.

Solving Post-Production Cleaning Challenges in Medical Device Manufacturing

Successful post-production cleaning in medical device manufacturing requires a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. Read on to learn more about it.

Videos of the Month

See the videos of the month, including one on 3D printing complex, more durable robots from a variety of high-quality materials in one go; one on a fully digital design-to-manufacturing process that has the potential to revolutionize lower limb socket production; one on commercial and open-source electronic circuit boards that can be embedded into soft robots; and one on scalable methods of developing battery- and solar-powered fibers, making it theoretically possible for electrical energy to be harvested from, and stored in the clothing.

From the Editor — Transformative Trends Reshaping Life Sciences Manufacturing

The life sciences industry is at a pivotal moment, where groundbreaking technologies are redefining how therapeutics and medical devices are discovered, developed, and manufactured. From AI to additive manufacturing, these advancements are accelerating time-to-market, improving efficiency, and enabling more personalized solutions for patients. Read on to learn Editor and Director of Medical Content Sherrie Trigg's thoughts on the matter.

Guest Editorial: The Next Wave of Medical Devices: Personalized with Local Impact

As an industry, AM is experiencing advancements at a rapid pace. Innovation is enabling enhanced capabilities across the entire workflow from software and materials through 3D printing technologies. Additionally, we see 3D printers with much smaller footprints enabling the technology to be used in smaller spaces such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental laboratories and clinics. Read on to learn more.

U.S. Tariffs: Implications and Strategies for Medtech Manufacturers

In a dramatic shift that could reshape the medical device industry, the U.S. government’s sweeping tariff hikes — particularly a 125 percent levy on Chinese goods — have...

Product of the Month

See the product of the month: Plastic Ingenuity's validated thermoformed ready-to-use pharma tubs. The tubs are comparable to traditional injection molded tubs; however, they offer rapid development, a lower cost of entry, and material reductions.

Product Focus: Laser Marking/Machining

See where the product focus is this month: laser marking and machining.

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including precision metering pumps from Circor International; a high-performance gantry robot with an integrated slip roller conveyor system from Dispense Works; XP Power's range of compact, low-profile AC-DC power supplies with flexible cooling options; Festo's updated mass flow controller; and much more.

Parallel Fluidics Produces Ultra-Precise Microfluidics Prototypes with CYROLITE® MD

The field of microfluidics is a key technology for the medicine of the future. Having already revolutionized the world of laboratory medicine by enabling samples to be analyzed much faster, it also plays a major role in the development of new drugs. Read on to learn about Parallel Fluidics, which specializes in rapid manufacturing of microfluidics prototypes for the life sciences sector.

New Implant May Help Patients Regenerate Their Own Heart Valves

Georgia Tech researchers have created a 3D-printed heart valve made of bioresorbable materials and designed to fit an individual patient’s unique anatomy. Once implanted, the valves will be absorbed by the body and replaced by new tissue that will perform the function that the device once served. Read on to learn more.

Custom Rupture Disk Prototypes for Medical Devices

Medical equipment designers rely on rupture disk devices for pressure relief and pressure release of gases and liquids for essential diagnostic, life safety, and analytical instrumentation. Read on to learn more about them.

Tiny Spectral Sensor Identifies Materials

Researchers have combined miniaturized hardware and intelligent algorithms to create a cost-effective, compact powerful tool capable of solving real-world problems in areas like healthcare. Read on to learn more.

Interlocking Metasurfaces Improve Structural Strength

Researchers have significantly improved a new joining technology, interlocking metasurfaces, designed to increase the strength and stability of a structure in comparison to traditional techniques like bolts and adhesives, using shape memory alloys. Read on to learn more.

Miniature Intra-Bone Implants Promote Healing

Research engineers are developing smart implants that can both monitor and promote healing in fractured bones. Read on to learn more.

Proposed Surgical Devices Standard Covers Properties for Nickel Titanium Alloy

ASTM International’s medical and surgical devices committee (F04) is developing a proposed standard for a wrought nickel-titanium alloy. The alloy covered by the...

Guest Editorial: The Power of One When Choosing Stent and Catheter Partners

As device designs become increasingly sophisticated, medtech companies are understandably seeking contract design and manufacturing partners that can accompany them on...

Guest Blog: Business Goals Drive Shifts in Materials

The medical device industry constantly evaluates product and packaging materials and designs to meet business objectives, sustainability targets, and changing consumer preferences. Tactics...

Bioprinting Artificial Organs in Space to Benefit Human Life on Earth

Recent successes in cultivating human heart tissue, knee cartilage, and pharmaceutical crystals in space have relied on technology that was initially developed decades ago with support from NASA.

Biomimetic Speaking Valve Increases Safety of Tracheostomized Patients

A research team from the University of Freiburg and the Medical Center – University of Freiburg has developed a novel biomimetic speaking valve technology that could significantly increase the safety of tracheostomized patients. Read on to learn more.

New Products and Services

See the new products and services, including a new reciprocating head for medical tubing from Guill Tool; EpoxySet's state-of-the-art UV adhesives, the UV-8675, specifically designed for bonding PVC tubing in medical devices; Mahr Inc.'s expanded length measurement product line; Zeus' latest addition to its StreamLiner series of ultra-thin-walled catheter liners; and more.

Boston Scientific Improves Cardiac Monitoring Component with Heimatec Speeders

Boston Scientific is a market leader in pacemakers, defibrillators, monitoring equipment, spinal and brain stimulation, stents, catheters, and ablation devices. Read on to learn how the company improved upon cardiac monitoring.

Smart Textile Senses Light, Pressure, Smell, and Even Taste

Researchers have developed a multifunctional sensor based on semiconductor fibers that emulates the five human senses. The technology developed in the study is expected to be utilized in fields such as wearables, Internet of Things (IoT), electronic devices, and soft robotics. Read on to learn more.

Bioprinting Method Replicates Heart Tissues

Researchers at University of Galway have developed a way of bioprinting tissues that change shape as a result of cell-generated forces, in the same way that it happens in biological tissues during organ development. The breakthrough science focused on replicating heart tissues, bringing research closer to generating functional, bioprinted organs. Read on to learn more.