GE Additive and Orchid Orthopedic Solutions sign EBM agreement at RAPID + TCT 2022.
GE Additive and Orchid Orthopedic Solutions (Orchid) have signed a definitive agreement to continue driving the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) to their suite of technologies through the development of electron beam melting (EBM) solutions in the medical implants sector.
Orchid will make a significant investment to enable scalability and full production support for its customers by purchasing GE Additive EBM Spectra L systems, service agreements, AP&C metal powders and AddWorks consultancy services. Following machine installation and validation, Orchid expects to be ready for production in 2024 to meet its customers' requirements.
GE Additive and Orchid are focused on joint co-marketing activities aimed at driving further awareness of EBM technology in 3D metal printed large joint orthopedic implants.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with GE Additive to bring AM capabilities to our customers," said 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 orthopedic manufacturing, we will be able to serve customers like never before."
"I am honored 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," said Riccardo Procacci, President and CEO, GE Additive. "I continue to be amazed at how our existing medical customers and orthopedic community are using metal additive to innovate and drive better and often personalized outcomes for patients."
Manufacturing Larger Parts Competitively
Once installed and operational, Orchid's fleet of Spectra L machines will allow it to competitively manufacture large orthopedic implants, such as complete knee components and acetabular cups and more. "As devices increase in complexity, this new EBM AM capability with scalable precision provides a cost-effective manufacturing solution that complements conventional methods," said a spokesperson.
The spokesperson continued, "The Arcam EBM Spectra L allows 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."
Some of the key features:
- Enhanced part quality, with improved surface finish and material properties
- Reduced cost per part due to increased build speed, the largest EBM build volume and the ability to tightly stack parts
- Integrated system architecture with standardized IoT interface, data analytics for machine health monitoring and the new Powder Recovery Station, PRS 30.
For more information contact:
GE Additive
www.ge.com/additive
Orchid Orthopedic Solutions
1489 Cedar Street
Holt, MI 48842
517-694-2300
www.orchid-ortho.com