Orchid to purchase multiple GE Additive PBF-EB machines for large joint orthopeadic implants
May 18, 2022
At this year’s RAPID + TCT, taking place in Detroit, Michigan, USA, May 17 – 19, GE Additive announced that Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, a manufacture of orthopeadic implants and instruments headquartered in Mason, Michigan, has agreed to purchase a number of GE Additive EBM Spectra L Additive Manufacturing machines, service agreements, AP&C metal powders and AddWorks consultancy services.
The two companies also announced a focus on joint marketing activities, aimed at driving further awareness of Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) Additive Manufacturing in large joint orthopeadic implants.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with GE Additive to bring Additive Manufacturing capabilities to our customers,” stated Nate Folkert, Chief Executive Officer, Orchid. “GE Additive has an excellent reputation and is a market leader in the additive space. Together with our extensive knowledge of large joint orthopeadic manufacturing, we will be able to serve customers like never before. They will have the assurance that we are taking an extra level of care by partnering with GE Additive. I look forward to seeing Orchid drive continued Additive Manufacturing innovation as a result of this agreement.”
Installation of the first machines will commence in 2022. Following machine installation and validation, Orchid expects to be ready for production in 2024 to meet its customers’ requirements.
Riccardo Procacci, President & CEO, GE Additive, added, “I am honoured that Orchid has put their confidence and trust in GE’s additive expertise, at such an important juncture in their metal AM journey. I look forward to our teams building a long-term relationship over the coming years.”
“I have personal experience overseeing the deployment of a large fleet of industrialised EBM machines for precise scalable AM production at GE Aviation’s Avio Aero business, so I look forward to getting to know the Orchid team and sharing some of my insights. I also continue to be amazed at how our existing medical customers and orthopeadic community are using metal additive to innovate and drive better and often personalised outcomes for patients,” Procacci added.
Once installed and operational, Orchid’s fleet of Spectra L machines will allow it to manufacture large orthopaedic implants, such as complete knee components and acetabular cups. The Arcam EBM Spectra L is said to allow for the mass production of parts by providing the ability to tightly stack parts without compromising on quality. The improved melt process results in consistent material properties for thin and bulky geometries.
