Machinery and production line component production has typically been served with traditional processes such as CNC machining and injection molding. However, as industries strive to find greater efficiencies and add more value for their customers, machinery and production line manufacturers and runners are looking for ways to enhance and optimize how they produce components–in order to offer unique/customized solutions at low cost to their internal or external customers, drive greater production line efficiencies with lightweight, high performance parts, and maximize equipment uptime. 3D printing opens up a world of new opportunities for machinery and production line component production–both for original and spare parts.

Corporate procurement, or sourcing, is moving away from its traditional focus on transactional unit costs and towards the strategic goal of building strong, effective supply chains that deliver great overall value to an organization at the lowest total cost. This guide to strategic sourcing for the procurement professional in manufacturing will give insight into why this shift is occurring, discuss its potential benefits and the elements necessary for success, and describe what qualities to look for in strategic partners.

Manufacturers producing medical devices that involve patient contact are typically required to perform biological safety evaluations, including biocompatibility tests to ensure patient safety, as specified by ISO 10993. Chemical characterization can help support the biocompatibility testing process, reduce the use of animal testing, in some cases shrink turnaround time and cost, and perhaps eliminate the need to do some biocompatibility testing altogether.

3D printed multi-material models can replicate the complexity and wide range of patient pathology, making them superior tools for medical education. But how do 3D printed models compare to traditional training methods? In multiple peer reviews, users agree they can be an invaluable asset to training and better prepare practitioners for the clinical realm. The studies evaluated:

Today’s global manufacturers rely on having an accurate bill of materials (BOM) to design, build, and ship quality products on-time and on-budget. This whitepaper explains how an intelligent BOM management solution will help avoid errors and costly delays.

Medical device manufacturers must establish quality systems to comply with FDA regulations and industry standards like ISO 13485. This whitepaper explains why product centric QMS solutions are critical to simplify compliance.

​​​Many medical devices begin their lifecycles designed for low-volume manufacturing. But successful scaling to a high-volume process requires foresight and planning to reap the benefits of automation. Follow these important guidelines during initial product design to make the transition faster and less expensive.​​

To remove error caused by vibration, compliance and shock load, and to get information of the exact position of the output shaft of the gearhead, MICROMO developed two gearhead encoders. The gearhead encoders offer OEMs the opportunity to choose a solution that will enable them to deliver the most effective product possible.

In a hospital environment, the need to mitigate risks and enhance patient safety and comfort has significantly increased the demand for high-performing plastics with improved chemical resistance. This white paper presents results from screening studies measuring clear thermoplastics’ chemical compatibility with various medical disinfectants, oncology drug carrier solvents, and actual oncology drugs. As compatibility becomes more complex, it’s apparent that Eastman Tritan™ copolyester offers clear advantages.

Until recently, there was little up-to-date research about adhesives that could be used with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. By collaborating with Henkel Corporation, whose LOCTITE® adhesive continues to be tested at the industry’s most comprehensive ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards, Eastman was able to determine which combination of resins and adhesives could help optimize a manufacturer’s assembly process. Results proved that Tritan, together with LOCTITE® adhesives, provides improved process efficiency for a wide range of medical devices.