News Summary
Materialise, a leader in 3D printing technology, has opened a North American metal additive manufacturing center in Plymouth, MI, enhancing collaboration in medical and aerospace sectors. This facility will produce personalized 3D printed instruments and titanium cranio-maxillofacial implants, with plans for future advancements in software automation and AI integration. The company continues to emphasize partnerships in healthcare and aerospace, including ongoing FDA clinical trials for innovative medical devices aimed at pediatric care.
Plymouth, MI – Materialise, a pioneer in 3D printing technology, is enhancing collaboration and innovation within the medical and aerospace sectors. The company, founded 35 years ago by Fried Vancraen and Hilde Ingelaere, has recently launched its North American metal additive manufacturing production center in Plymouth, MI. This facility marks a significant expansion of Materialise’s capabilities, particularly in producing personalized 3D printed instruments and implants.
Materialise’s operations are characterized by a collaborative ethos, termed ‘co-creation,’ which seeks to drive advancements in 3D printing applications and expand scalability within the industry. This approach is especially evident in the company’s production of approximately 280,000 personalized 3D printed instruments and implants annually, with around 160,000 units designated for the US market. The Plymouth facility specializes in the production of personalized titanium cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) implants that were previously manufactured at the company’s Belgian headquarters.
The release of the flagship Magics software product, now used by 6,350 users, highlights Materialise’s dedication to technological innovation. The upcoming version, Magics 2025, promises enhanced automation and integration of artificial intelligence, which signals the company’s commitment to advancing development processes in the 3D printing landscape.
Materialise’s achievements in the healthcare sector are noteworthy, including early developments in 3D printed hearing aids and personalized joint implants. The company emphasizes the importance of collaboration with partners across software, materials management, printing, and inspection to foster further advancements. Recently, industry professionals convened at a forum organized by Materialise, where they shared insights and experiences regarding various 3D printing applications in medicine.
In addition to its healthcare focus, Materialise has made significant inroads into the aerospace sector, producing over 500,000 aerospace components using different additive manufacturing technologies, such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). The company holds numerous certifications, including EN 9100 and AIPI 03-02-029, which validate its capacity to fabricate components for aviation applications. Collaborations with major aircraft manufacturers, like Airbus and Dornier, have been fruitful, particularly in enhancing the production of 3D printed cabin components since 2015.
Materialise’s CO-AM software platform showcases its capacity to facilitate scalable manufacturing while ensuring quality control and traceability. The company was also recognized for its commitment to cybersecurity, having achieved ISO 27000 certification for its software security infrastructure.
In a pioneering step towards improving pediatric care, Materialise is conducting an FDA clinical trial for a bioresorbable tracheobronchial splint aimed at infants and children with breathing difficulties. This trial, which will enroll 35 participants over eight years starting January 2025, builds on the company’s history of innovation in medical devices. The tracheobronchial splint is designed to dissolve naturally in the body, offering a less invasive solution for young patients. Materialise’s Mimics software has been crucial in the development of this medical device, showcasing the company’s proven track record in advancing healthcare solutions through 3D printing.
As the additive manufacturing industry faces challenges, the trend towards enhanced collaboration becomes crucial. Materialise continues to foster a comprehensive ecosystem involving partners in various fields, promoting advancements that are beneficial for both medical and aerospace applications. The company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and patient-centered solutions underscores its role as a leader in the 3D printing sector.
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Additional Resources
- TCT Magazine: Materialise Additive Manufacturing
- Wikipedia: 3D Printing
- 3D Printing Industry: Materialise Interview
- Google Search: 3D Printing Technology
- 3D Print: Materialise Conflict Minerals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Additive Manufacturing
- 3D Printing Industry: Materialise Tracheobronchial Splint
- Google Scholar: 3D Printing in Aerospace
