Mark Crawford, Contributing Writer11.30.18
Material properties are foundational for medical devices to achieve effective clinical outcomes. Decades ago, orthopedics almost exclusively focused on metal. Over the last 10 years, material options have shifted toward polymer-based components, including polymer/metal hybrids and disposable polymer instruments.
Material science continues to rapidly evolve to meet the needs of disruptive new technologies such as additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Advanced injection molding can handle a wider range of polymers for key product applications. New or enhanced materials provide engineers with more options for creative medical device designs, higher functionality, and improved patient outcomes. Digital patient care and embedded electronics are also driving innovation in medical materials.
Despite these exciting advances, however, orthopedic OEMs tend to remain very conservative when it comes to choosing materials for their implants and instrumentation. Adoption of new materials tends to only happen when a new design requires some level of functionality that incumbent materials simply cannot offer. Given the effort, risk, and cost involved with validating
Material science continues to rapidly evolve to meet the needs of disruptive new technologies such as additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Advanced injection molding can handle a wider range of polymers for key product applications. New or enhanced materials provide engineers with more options for creative medical device designs, higher functionality, and improved patient outcomes. Digital patient care and embedded electronics are also driving innovation in medical materials.
Despite these exciting advances, however, orthopedic OEMs tend to remain very conservative when it comes to choosing materials for their implants and instrumentation. Adoption of new materials tends to only happen when a new design requires some level of functionality that incumbent materials simply cannot offer. Given the effort, risk, and cost involved with validating
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