Acrotec, one of the largest European players in medical contract manufacturing, and
AddUp, a global metal additive manufacturing OEM, are combining their expertise in a partnership to provide ‘an industrial solution’ for the medtech industry, which is increasing its use of additive manufacturing thanks to the reduction in cost when compared to traditional manufacturing — and improved design with options for personalisation. Additive manufacturing allows the production of parts with ‘complex and organic’ geometries that would be impossible or very costly to produce using traditional CNC manufacturing technology.
Julien Marcilly, AddUp’s deputy CEO, said: “Players in the medical field have understood all the benefits of metal 3-D printing, and many implants or instruments are already manufactured using this technology. As a supplier of metal 3-D printers and parts, AddUp chose to partner with an experienced and recognised innovative partner. With Acrotec’s knowledge of the medtech industry and expertise in precision machining, and AddUp’s mastery of the metal 3-D printing process, our partnership will offer the best solutions for customers in this demanding market.”
The Acrotec Group, through its Medtech division, is focused on the spine, traumatology and dental sectors. Acrotec Medtech produces implants and instruments to be used for surgical procedures. Over the years, the group has mastered the skills necessary to manufacture precision components and sub-assemblies for medical devices, specifically in the machining and finishing of metal parts.
François Billig, Acrotec Group’s CEO, said: “With AddUp as a partner, we are trying to push metal 3-D printing technology to its limits in terms of part sizes and associated ‘material health’. The quality of AddUp’s printing systems, as well as the expertise of the teams, have allowed us to move forward in an open and efficient way in this initiative. We are confident that through our partnership, Acrotec can now develop and use this technology with its customers in the medtech sector.”