Just because trade events and conferences are postponed and travel has been restricted, it doesn't mean that innovation has to slow down. Learn about the enabling power of micro injection molding from this Accumold Virtual Trade Show video.

This video gives insight on a dental medical device’s journey from the prototype phase to production. The device needed to be small enough to image rear teeth, robust enough to replace physical impressions, and had to make precision measurements for prosthetics. The process involved complex optics, steps to ensure hygienic sterilization, high resolution 3D imaging, and more. Download the video to see how it was done.

Mold flow analysis is not required for the injection molding process. But maybe it should be, especially considering it can help to predict manufacturing issues before production starts.

Digital manufacturing is critical for achieving one of the post-pandemic goals: a robust and sustainable supply chain. One that can maintain the flow of business in any global climate. This is because it links all areas of production. Digital manufacturing uses technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Machine Learning (ML) to connect services, supply chains, products, and processes. In doing so, it provides greater visibility into the entire supply chain. And this level of insight helps companies to identify (and predict) potential kinks in the supply chain.

Cost can influence nearly all aspects of your project, from material selection and surface finish to the types of features you include. When determining which technique to use at different points in the product development process, a cost comparison analysis can be helpful to provide a sense of when to start thinking about 3D printing or injection molding for your prototypes or production run.

These complementary processes can be adapted to serve countless prototyping and full-production demands, boosting medtechs’ bottom lines and speeding time to market.

Developing medical device parts is a high-stakes process, and material choice is an important decision. Five strong contenders include PEEK, PEI, and PPSU; polycarbonates; medical-grade liquid silicone rubber; and 3D-printed titanium and ABS-like WaterShed XC 11122. 

Instead of creating merely conceptual models not durable for long-term use, 3D printing now is being used in machining, injection molding, and other conventional manufacturing processes. This article explores technology leaders in this area, and assesses the production capabilities for each 3D printing process.

Sterolithography (SLA) 3D printing is available in three resolutions (normal, high, and micro) for a range of part geometries. Most parts can be built in normal resolution, but, high resolution may also be required.

The additive manufacturing community is abuzz with discussions of what the future will look like—for aerospace, for medicine, and for countless other fields. By Crystal Morrison, Ph.D.