Raymor Received A Strategic Order From STRYKER Corporation For Its Biomedical Titanium Powder
The ultra-spherical titanium powder allows STRYKER to produce high quality orthopedic implants. Before issuing a purchase order to AP&C, Stryker conducted a worldwide search to find a powder which would provide optimal longevity and biocompatibility for its orthopedic implants.
Thanks to AP&C's patented plasma atomization process, biomedical powders are of a high purity, with an exceptional sphericity. The spherical nature of the powder provides an evenly-distributed coating for artificial joints, thus allowing for the optimization of the coating porosity, which facilitates tissue growth.
"The STRYKER contract represents for AP&C a breakthrough in the biomedical sector with a large US company. STRYKER is one of the three global leaders in human orthopedic implants, and we are pleased to have been selected by them," said Mr. Stéphane Robert, President of Raymor Industries.
"STRYKER received FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) approval for these innovative orthopedic implants using AP&C powder, enabling us to begin a long-term business relationship," adds Mr. Robert.
According to Dr. Michel Drouet, Chief Scientist with AP&C, "At the beginning of the 90's, I began development work on this plasma atomization process, which is unique in the world, at Hydro-Québec's Shawinigan laboratories, in collaboration with Noranda. Thanks to AP&C, I am extremely happy to see all this research effort leading to commercialization in the orthopedic implant sector with a client as prestigious as STRYKER."
"With this Titanium powder, other applications will be commercialized, including the metal injection molding of components for the aerospace sector. With our Plasma Atomization Process, we can in fact consider taking a foot-hold in other promising markets with other types of nano-sized and micron-sized metallic powders," adds Dr. Drouet.
With other negotiations underway, AP&C foresees the installation of a second reactor in its facility, which could hold up to six units. The forecasted revenue from powder sales is in the order of $3.5 million per year, per reactor.
The world market for orthopedic implants was more than US$6.4 billion in 2002. Analysts from the renowned Freedonia Group predict markets of US$8.7 billion in 2007 and US$11.6 billion in 2012. The overall growth rate for this sector will be 6.2%. However, Freedonia Group and Frost & Sullivan both agree that this growth rate can increase significantly (up to 15% per year), given the potential removal of certain anti-inflammatory and pain medications from the market place by the FDA. As well, an aging population will likely have an impact on the orthopedic implant market growth rate.