Exactech Expands Competency in 3D Printing with Purchase of Arcam Q10plus Systems

Exactech Inc., a developer and producer of bone and joint restoration products and biologic materials for extremities, knee, hip and spine, has purchased two Arcam Q10plus machines this week to expand its in-house manufacturing capabilities.
 
“Integrating the Arcam Q10plus technology into our operations will bring numerous benefits to our manufacturing systems,” said Raymond Cloutier, Exactech vice president of engineering and development for spine. “In 2010, Exactech became the first company to receive FDA clearance for a 3D printed orthopadic implant and has since received multiple additional clearances for other implants. We will now be able to leverage this knowledge and experience to enhance the design of our hip, knee, extremities and spine implants, reduce product development lead times and further supplement supply.”
 
The Arcam Q10plus is Arcam’s latest Electron Beam Melting (EBM) machine that has been designed specifically for cost-efficient production of orthopedic implants. Studies have shown that build times can be reduced up to 25 percent with improved surface finishes, compared to previous generations of EBM systems.¹
 
“Exactech was the first company in the U.S. to mass-produce medical implants using additive manufacturing. We are happy to see their confidence in our EBM technology and in the Arcam Q10plus as a volume production system for the medical device industry. We truly look forward to partnering with Exactech to grow production of their joint restoration products,” Arcam CEO Magnus René said.
 
“This equipment supports our long-range commitment to additive manufacturing, our effort to optimize our supply chain and our interest in cost reduction,” said Exactech chief financial officer Jody Phillips.
 
Exactech develops and produces bone and joint restoration products. With global headquarters in Gainesville, Fla., Exactech manufactures solutions that improve patient outcomes for hip, knee, shoulder and spine surgery. It distributes its products in more than 30 markets, including the United States, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific.
 
Reference:
1. Data on file at Arcam.