Lincotek Medical Expands Coatings and Additive Capacity

Lincotek Medical is continuing the expansion of its facilities to help OEMs meet the rising demand for orthopedic implants globally through new technologies, automation and workforce training.
 
The latest step has been focused on the development of its Bartlett plant in the greater Memphis area, where the company has recently doubled its manufacturing footprint to around 25,000 sq ft with a new industrial workspace. The company has also significantly increased its coating capacity with the purchase of two new pieces of automated equipment – a CAPS Intercooler and an Air Plasma Spray (APS) – along with an automatic sandblasting machine, all created by the Group’s Equipment Division.
 
Coating Investment
With the installation of a new CAPS Intercooler – a proprietary technology recognized for its highly advanced porous coatings with unique material performance – Lincotek Medical can now rely on two CAPS Intercoolers in the US, two in the EU and two in Asia-Pacific. The result is the ability to replicate a high consistency-of-quality in coatings all over the world through the same process control, always ensuring optimal quality performance.
 
The coating investment is completed by the new APS line, which is based on the Lincotek unique twin approach, allowing for movement from one line to another achieving identical coating parameters, just by moving the production programs. The validation of Lincotek’s wide range of orthopedic device coatings is supported by multiple master-files with the FDA. All process inputs are monitored and recorded, assuring quality reliability and supporting OEMs in process auditing.
 
Additives
Lincotek Medical is also investing heavily on the additive side in the USA. Being a leader in contract manufactured medical devices using additive technology, and with several additive machines already in production in Bartlett, Lincotek Medical is improving further its laser-based additive manufacturing capabilities in the US. It has validated its AM process in line with FDA guidance and invested in an AM dedicated team, supporting the OEMs managing complex supply chains with advanced solutions. An in-house metallurgical laboratory supports production, maintaining the highest standards of quality throughout the operation.
 
“If it is about additive technology for medical devices,” said Francesco Bucciotti, managing director USA, “Lincotek Medical is the go-to partner for OEMs, ensuring reliable and cost-efficient additive device manufacturing. Starting with additive manufacturing of medical devices in 2006, the company has profound additive development and production experience, significantly reducing time to market for its customers.”
 
The expansion of its coatings and additive capacity will allow the company to follow market growth and will significantly increase its flexibility and production capacity: orthopedic OEMs will benefit from a reduced time to market on a global basis and stronger global risk mitigation capabilities.
 
Gennaro D’Andrea, general manager of Lincotek Medical Division commented, “Despite the unique challenges in 2020 posed by Covid-19, the Lincotek Medical team has continued its strong support for OEMs with multiple successful product launches for both coatings and AM. As the industry demand for orthopedic implants continues to rise, Lincotek Medical is poised and ready to support the OEMs with the capacity, technology, and experience required to produce high-quality products.”