GE Additive and OPM discuss titanium and PEKK implants in latest 3dpbm AM Focus webinar
Titanium set the standard, polymers offer new possibilities as market leaders compare technologies
Bringing the latest 3D Printing Media Network AM Focus on Orthopedic Implants to its climax, 3dpbm hosted a new webinar focusing on the market opportunities for 3D printed implants. Market leader GE Additive and pioneering company Oxford Performance Materials presented their technological approach and business models within the context presented with a preview of data from the upcoming SmarTech Publishing report on Opportunities in 3D Orthopedics.
In a segment now expected to grow into a $3.7 billion revenue opportunity by 2027, SmarTech Publishing is forecasting that, by that time, up to 58% of all implants will be 3D printed. Which technologies and materials will be benefiting from the onset of digital mass production and mass customization of orthopedic implant products? The full recording of the webinar is available below.
Titanium and PEKK in the future of implants
Mr. Stephan Zeidler, Global Business Development Manager at GE Additive, presented a very strong case that it will be powder bed fusion, mainly electron beam (EBM) but also laser (DMLM) powered, by GE Additive. The unique cross-segment presence of the company in the AM industry, which also owns metal powder manufacturer AP&C, provided a complete view of this segment. This was strengthened by specific cases highlighting the company’s partners (like Materialise on the software side) and clients like Stryker, Lima and many more.
While metal 3D printing is opening up incredible opportunities and setting new standards for implant 3D printing, Mr. Bernard Plishtin, Chief Business Development Officer at Oxford Performance Materials, (standing in for the company’s CEO Scott DeFelice) also presented a convincing argument that the company’s unique PEKK-based OsteoFab powder bed fusion technology can also provide valid solutions in a growing number of implant types, including several proven cases in both CMF and spinal implants.
Positive responses
The discussion, which lasted over 1 hour, provided highly relevant insights into processes, procedures, regulatory frameworks and business models. The highly attended session, registered over 64% in attentiveness rating and included 11% medical professionals, 26% professionals working at hardware manufacturing companies, 17% professionals in materials manufacturing companies, 57% professionals within 3D printing services and 26% from the world of academics. In a follow-up survey, most stated that they would like to learn more about this specific topic. Due to overwhelming interest from 3D printed orthopedic implant manufacturers, we will be following up on this topic very soon.
Now, however, the next appointment with 3D Printing Media Network’s AM Focus is going to be on a radically different topic: the unstoppable rise of full-color 3D printing. See you soon on these channels.
