The medical field is front and center right now. Whether it’s manufacturing new ventilators or analyzing virus particles, the importance of the medical industry has never been clearer.

Medical device implants have become increasingly more complex over time as technology has progressed into providing a new way of construction by the means of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing. 

The medical industry stands out from other aspects of manufacturing. The inspection rates are often higher, quality is paramount, and the products could be implanted into the human body.

When dealing with medical problems, the medical device should not add to these problems. Medical device manufacturing requires the highest quality—and industry takes no chances with this. Regulations are de rigueur. The need for quality of a bone screw should be obvious, and the same goes for any medical device.

Organizations in the medical device industry are in the process of gaining—and maintaining—their European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR) compliance certifications. 

By applying PVD coatings to surgical instruments, implants and other medical devices, OEMs can increase value and differentiate products with functional properties that go well beyond color-coding for identification.

When arteries in the heart become blocked due to coronary artery disease, one of the ways to treat it is through the use of a coronary stent. These are tubular support devices that can be surgically implanted into the coronary arteries to keep them open, allowing the arteries to supply blood to the heart properly.

The treatment of bone diseases and injuries has come a long way since the days of bone setters and blacksmiths.

2017 was a transformative year for the materials testing industry.