Tangible Solutions expands post-processing capability for orthopaedic AM implants
June 18, 2021
Tangible Solutions, located in Fairborn, Ohio, USA, a manufacturer of additively manufactured titanium orthopaedic implants, has announced the expansion of its post-processing business with the inclusion of additional staff, thus providing greater capacity in the post-processing side of the business.
The company handles all phases of orthopaedic implant creation, offering design support, prototyping, 510(k) clearance support, Additive Manufacturing, post-processing and testing throughout and after production at its Fairborn facility.
“The cost in time and dollars involved in post-processing steps can vary widely and, if these processes are outsourced for a manufacturing project, the costs can be even higher,” stated Adam Clark, Tangible Chief Executive Officer. “A contract manufacturer that manages an Additive Manufacturing project from beginning to end within their facility can save a customer important time and costs when introducing an implant to the market.”
According to Tangible Solutions, it is capable of delivering all post-processing steps required in the Additive Manufacturing of titanium orthopaedic medical devices, of which two of the processes are laser marking and passivation. Marking is required by the medical device industry as it must survive the various environments that an implantable device will encounter throughout its lifecycle. Laser marking and passivation are often used in tandem to support ASTM F86 requirements.
“The addition of laser marking and passivation to Tangible’s list of services almost completes our journey to becoming a full end-to-end contract manufacturer of 3d printed titanium orthopaedic implants,” stated Chris Collins, Tangible COO. “We continue to strive toward zero outside services at a rapid rate.”
“Tangible exclusively manufactures implants via titanium 3D printing (Ti6Al4V ELI),” continued Collins. “Throughout the manufacturing process flow, those implants come into contact with various manufacturing materials and surface contaminants that are removed via passivation as well as our proprietary finishing process, which is vital to creating a legible and durable marking.”
