How is a medical device actually made?

How raw material becomes a medical product will be shown at MedtecLIVE with T4M from 23-25 May 2023 in Nuremberg: Six companies will demonstrate a complete production process at the special area, which is professionally supported by the VDMA. "The production line highlights the interconnection within production and the importance of each individual step in the entire value chain," explains Christopher Boss, Executive Director of MedtecLIVE. The manufacturers are not yet revealing what exactly will be produced. Visitors can find out in hourly guided tours during the duration of the medical technology exhibition. However, a look at the companies involved already reveals some details.

The company Forécreu provides the metallic base material for the production line, which is used as the basis for manufacturing. Specifically, it is a cannulated bar material in stainless steel. From this, a workpiece is produced on the Cincom L320-2M12B5 sliding headstock automatic lathe from Citizen Machinery Europe – which can also produce complex parts. The next step is demonstrated by the Gindele company, which has developed an injection mould that overmoulds the metal insert with a medical plastic on an Arburg machine. A manual ultrasonic cleaning and passivation system with a final rinsing cascade and hot air dryer from KKS Ultraschall is then used for pre-cleaning.

To ensure that the "medical product" is traceable, FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving demonstrates process-safe UDI laser marking on the production line with the help of the MOSAIC camera system, which enables marking without recording. The final cleaning of the component is then again carried out by the KKS Ultraschall system, which is specially designed for cleaning and passivating laser-marked parts. Finally, Medipack packs the component in a prefabricated blister and seals it.

"The production line is one of the highlights of this year’s MedtecLIVE with T4M in Nuremberg," says Niklas Kuczaty. "It offers the chance to experience a process chain in medical technology in an exemplary way. The great commitment of the participating companies and the live individual workpiece make the production line an important point of contact for every visitor to the exhibition." Christian Söhner from FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving adds: "This allows visitors to follow the interrelated process steps in real-time and take away valuable knowledge for their own processes." And Jürg Luginbühl from KKS Ultraschall was also convinced by the production line’s practical relevance: "We mean to raise understanding and emotions when a system can be experienced live – instead of showing pretty pictures."

Production will take place on all three days of the exhibition, and a guided tour of the production line will be offered every full hour.

MedtecLIVE with T4M: The entire manufacturing process of medical technology – from the idea to production

At MedtecLIVE with T4M product developers and buyers from distributors and OEMs will meet the most important suppliers of medical technology in Europe. The event is held annually, alternating between the two medical technology locations of Nuremberg and Stuttgart, and covers the entire value chain with its range of offerings. The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive supporting program, which covers the most important topics and trends in the industry. In 2023, the international MedtecSUMMIT congress of the Bavarian Ministry of Economy, Energy and Regional Development will also provide a platform for dialogue and innovation. The event is rounded off by tailored digital services for exhibitors and visitors. As conceptual sponsors, MedtecLIVE with T4M is supported by Forum MedTech Pharma, VDMA Working Group Medical Technology and Swiss Medtech.