From The Editors
Never Assume When It Comes to Precision
Medical Manufacturing
Conventional design and manufacturing techniques don't always work for smaller products, and their makers should never assume that they will.
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In Briefs
Norman Noble Expands Orthopedic Implant Operations
Norman Noble Inc. (Highland Heights, OH), a medical device contract manufacturer, will undergo a major expansion of its orthopedic implant manufacturing operations. The most significant step is the addition of eight five-axis contour milling machines. They will make the firm one of the largest providers of single-operation machining to the orthopedic implant market. Most machining operations for orthopedic implants require multiple steps. The new machines will be able to perform everything in a single step. The firm will also increase capacity in its Swiss turning and milling department, and add equipment to assist in quality inspection. The company had already begun a $1.7 million expansion of its mass finishing operation, which is also used in orthopedic implant manufacturing. It says it is taking these steps because orthopedic implants are one of the fastest-growing segments in medical device manufacturing.
SCS Acquired by Private Investment Firm
Specialty Coating Systems Inc. (SCS; Indianapolis) has been sold to Berwind Corp. (Philadelphia), a private investment management company. Terry Bush, president and CEO of SCS, called the acquisition a seamless and exciting change. “Our core focus will continue to be an unyielding commitment to the needs of our customers and markets,” Bush said in a company statement. SCS was previously owned by Bunker Hill Capital LP for two and a half years, during which the company experienced strong growth. SCS is the global leader in parylene conformal coating services and materials. The coating is used on a range of products including stents, catheters, electronics, electrosurgical tools, and cardiac assist devices. SCS has nine coating plants worldwide. In addition to parylene coatings, the company also provides liquid coating systems such as spray, spin, and dip coating systems, and ionic contamination test systems.
New Hip, Knee Replacement Methods May Need Reworking Sooner
A study found that newer joint replacement techniques appear to need reworking at a higher rate than traditional methods.
Stryker Sues U.S. Government over Probe
Stryker has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court complaining that the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services are making unreasonable requests as part of a continued investigation into its sales practices.
Fall 2008 Issue
Producing Cutting Tools In-House: What You Need to Know
Advances in software and automation technology have made it easier to bring orthopedic cutting-tool design and grinding in-house. If you're considering making that move, consider these points.
Micromolding Techniques Grow with Demand
New micromolding materials and processes are emerging in response to demands from precision medical device manufacturers.
Micromolded Parts Need Micromold Machines
It is a fallacy that conventional injection molding machines can mold microparts. Medical device manufacturers should use micromolding machines.
A New Look at Parylene Conformal Coatings
Parylene can enhance a number of cardiological and surgical devices.
