3D Printing News Roundup: Oxford Performance Materials, Renovis Surgical, H.C Starck, C&A Tool Engineering

3D Printing News Roundup: Oxford Performance Materials, Renovis Surgical, H.C. Starck, C&A Tool Engineering

Aug 14, 2017 | By David

Here’s another round-up of some recent stories from the busy world of 3D printing technology that you might have missed, including H.C Starck and Oxford Performance each releasing a new range of materials for high-end manufacturing clients, and more besides.

1. H.C. Starck releases new Amperprint range of metal 3D printing powders

German metal powder producer H.C. Starck Surface Technology and Ceramic Powders GmbH, based in Laufenburg and Goslar, has been producing quality products for metal manufacturing processes for over 40 years now. It recently announced the introduction of its new AMPERPRINT range of gas atomized metal powders, which is specifically designed for additive manufacturing. This is a major milestone for the company, according to CEO Shashi Shukla, and it should go some way towards strengthening the company’s position in the still-growing 3D printing market.

AMPERPRINT is a high-end technology concept, which will enable production to be ramped up efficiently while keeping physical and chemical powder properties consistent. It offers cobalt, iron and nickel powders of all major standard compositions as well as customized solutions. The introduction of the new range of powders is accompanied by newly improved logistics processes. This will ensure faster delivery times to clients.

2. Oxford Performance Materials announces launch of new compounds for 3D printing

Oxford Performance Materials has been a recognized market leader in advanced materials science and high performance additive manufacturing since 2000. It recently announced the launch of its new materials range, OXPEKK Custom Compounds. They are comprised of OPM’s family of proprietary poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK) formulations, and are designed for 3D printing and other manufacturing methods in key markets including the medical, aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and semiconductor industries.

“OXPEKK is a special breed of polymer with a desirable combination of processing and performance attributes that address some of the most demanding applications in today’s industrial markets,” stated Tony DeCarmine, OPM’s Chief Technology Officer. “We are very excited to be launching OXPEKK Custom Compounds, which offer a unique combination of properties that users of high performance polymers will find compelling.”

Some of the key performance characteristics of OPM’s OXPEKK Custom Compounds include: robust mechanical performance, extreme temperature tolerance, high purity, gamma stability, exceptionally high chemical resistance, resistance to water or solvent infiltration, and superior fatigue performance. Advantages offered over metals or other thermoplastics include improved process flexibility, reduced weight, non-corrosive attributes, and tailored formulations, including filled and colored compounds.

3. Renovis Surgical gets FDA Clearance for its 3D printed Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Systems

Renovis Surgical Technologies, Inc. announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to release its posterior lumbar Tesera porous titanium interbody fusion systems on the market. The 3D printed devices are designed for a variety of surgical applications to help out people with back problems.

The systems feature implants for direct posterior (PLIF) or transforaminal (TLIF) approaches, in both straight and curved options. There are multiple heights, widths and lengths available to fit a wide range of patient anatomies. All the Tesera implants are produced using 3D printing technology, as well as the company's proprietary Tesera Trabecular Technology. The highly porous structure allows for bone attachment to implant surfaces and the potential for biologic fixation deep into the pore structure for long-term stability.

Since Renovis Surgical Technologies was founded in California back in 2009, the company has received FDA clearance for five different product groups featuring the proprietary Tesera porous titanium structure. The first group, the Tesera SA system for stand-alone anterior spinal fusion was cleared by the FDA in October of 2013. The Tesera acetabular system for total hip reconstruction was cleared in April of 2014, followed by the first generation of the Tesera posterior lumbar interbody family, which was cleared in March of 2015. The Tesera SC system for stand-alone anterior cervical fusion was cleared in March of 2016.

4. Japanese company acquires C&A Tool Engineering, hoping to tap into its metal 3D printing capabilities

Indiana-based company C&A Tool Engineering, founded in 1969, has announced its acquisition by Japanese investors. Under terms of the deal, MinebeaMitsumi Inc. will own 51 percent of the longtime Whitley County 3D printing metal manufacturer, and the Development Bank of Japan will own the rest. MinebeaMitsumi Inc is also the parent company of New Hampshire Ball Bearings Inc.

C&A will become part of the NHBB/myonic Business Unit, which includes previously-acquired myonic and CEROBEAR, and has a total of five manufacturing facilities in the U.S., as well as two in Germany and one in Czech Republic.

C&A's high-end direct metal laser sintering 3D printing products are used in the medical, aerospace, industrial and fuel systems fields. MinebeaMitsumi Inc will be able to take advantage of this technology and expand its use to its other business interests, as well as boosting the diversity of its aerospace offerings. A spokesman from C&A’s new parent company said "we intend to build a cooperative structure under the direction of NHBB with the aim of expanding C&A business further in the years to come."

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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