Contract 3D printed implant manufacturer Tangible Solutions, has announced the expansion of its facility in Fairborn, Ohio.

The site, which has gradually grown in size over the past five years, has now gained another 6,000 sq. ft. in order to support market demand. With this expansion, the company now makes full use of a 25,000 sq. ft. 3D printing facility.

Adam Clark, Tangible Solutions CEO, comments, “Our customers have been very complimentary about part quality, along with the level of attentiveness

and support we provide.”

“This expansion will only stand to improve the very things our customers desire most.”

Additive manufacturing for medicine

Tangible Solutions was founded in 2013 in the garage of co-founders Charlie Fox and Chris Collins. Shortly after it was founded, Clark joined the company as a managing partner, and has led the company as CEO ever since.

Initially, Tangible Solutions’ business was more generally geared toward providing additive manufacturing, design and training services to a variety of industries. However, over time, the company has become specialized in additive manufacturing for the healthcare industry. This change was brought about by conversations with a number of industry professionals in the area. As Clark explains in a blog post about the company’s foundations “When Tangible Solutions first began in a garage years ago, we provided services and parts across the Dayton and Cincinnati Region to anyone […] As conversations developed, we began working with a medical implant company.”

“At the time, they were in the early stages of launching a 3D printed product line. These conversations set the tone for our vision today.”

Powered by Concept Laser

3D printing at Tangible Solutions is fulfilled by a fleet of Concept Laser additive manufacturing systems. In 2016, the company employed at least six Concept Laser machines – five Mlab cusing and one M2 – within its 25,000 sq ft. facility, but now, with additional space, that number has likely risen.

The company’s present specialisms with these systems are in the production of 3D printed spinal implants, and the design, proof and production of orthopedic devices. For both purposes, the company has attained ISO quality certification, namely as a manufacturer of implantable titanium screws and components, and as a manufacturer of precision metal and composite parts. Additionally, the company is formally registered with the FDA Fleet of Concept Laser 3D printers at Tangible Solutions. Photo via Tangible Solutions

A heated bed of spinal implant development

With the expansion of its additive manufacturing facility Tangible Solutions’ advances towards its goal, as Clark states, “to be a nationally recognized contract manufacturer of 3D printed titanium implants.”

Already operating in this sphere is FORTUNE 500 medical technology firm Stryker. In August 2018, Stryker strengthened its 3D printed spinal implant portfolio with the acquisition of Virginia medical device manufacturer K2M. Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, a subsidiary of global healthcare company Johnson & Johnson, also recently added to its medical device offering with the acquisition of Emerging Implant Technologies (EIT).

In orthopedics, long-time Arcam partner LimaCorporate recently advanced its offering with the integration of an onsite 3D printing facility at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

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Featured image shows the microscopic structure of Tangible Solutions’ 3D printed implants. Image via Tangible Solutions