Materialise CO-AM has linked BMI, Toolkit3D, and Extol on a singular platform, enhancing the production of custom 3D printed knee braces. BMI, a manufacturer in the orthopedic sector, transitioned from traditional milling to 3D printing to address production bottlenecks and external economic pressures. Utilizing Toolkit3D’s software, BMI streamlined brace design, reducing the time from a day to 20-30 minutes per brace. Toolkit3D’s API connects to CO-AM, which Extol uses for manufacturing with HP MJF printers. This connection reduces manual labor by up to 75% during file processing.
The collaboration enables BMI to bypass the need for a manufacturing execution system, as Extol manages the automated and encrypted files. The integrated digital thread across the three companies leverages their strengths, from software optimization to efficient production, underlining the potential of connected digital processes in the mass customization of medical devices. CO-AM’s platform aligns factory, operating, manufacturing, and fulfillment systems, which could have broader implications for cost reduction and adoption rates in personalized medical devices.
Extol’s utilization of the CO-AM platform streamlines requests from Toolkit3D, enhancing the efficiency of producing and shipping custom braces. The ability to centralize control of HP MJF 4200 printers within CO-AM enables Extol to manage production capacity effectively, a crucial factor for scaling patient-specific medical device production.
The integration of different automation islands via CO-AM’s API fosters an end-to-end digital process, emphasizing the importance of business viability alongside technical feasibility and user desirability. With BMI and Extol pioneering in automation for mass personalization, the trend is likely to expand as its business viability becomes increasingly evident. Industries focused on producing highly personalized products are poised to benefit, signaling a shift towards greater adoption of digital connectivity within supply chains.
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