SME’s Provide the Backbone of Medical Manufacturing

With a portfolio of some half-million distinct products and devices, medical device manufacturing is projected to grow by more than 50% between 2021 and 2030 to an $850 billion industry. As impressive as projected revenue growth is the sheer number and variety of products that need to be produced. In addition to consumables and orthopedic devices, medical robots and imaging machines, surgical instruments, dental products, and hospital equipment such as surgical tables, beds, furnishings and accessories are all needed to meet the demands of our healthcare system.

As interesting as the positive revenue projections is the nature of those doing the manufacturing. Contract manufacturing by small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) is now a growing trend, offering smaller organizations significant opportunities to enter this burgeoning industry. OEM manufacturers are now turning their attention to device design, sales and marketing, leaving a large percentage of production to a growing number of SMEs. Specialization and niche manufacturing will likely only continue this small-shop growth.

While traditional manufacturing methods are still viable, the production of miniaturized and high-precision components with exacting surface finishes call for sophisticated processes and machine technology. A distinct competitive advantage lies with those who embrace and capitalize on the latest technology the industry has to offer. GF is an industry leader with years of electrical discharge machine (EDM) wire and die sinking experience to produce high-accuracy molds, and its Microlution line of laser micromachines is changing the way miniaturized medical components are made. Our femtosecond laser technology enables manufacturers to etch surface textures on surgical implants, and it is this innovation that is driving the industry forward.

In addition to the ongoing evolution of machine technology that allows the industry to reimagine what is possible, GF is also actively involved in developing and sharing our production application capabilities. We recently took a leading role to provide collaborative project support with the commissioning of our Medical Center of Competence in Lincolnshire, Illinois. There we share our expertise in high-speed milling, EDM, laser micromachining and automation solutions that help medical SME device makers boost productivity while pushing the bounds of traditional manufacturing.

Providing leading-edge technology for the medical device industry has always been a strong focus and source of pride for our company. We’re also proud of the relationships we’ve forged and the trust we’ve gained within this highly specialized niche industry.