For the last two decades, Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis has connected medtech industry stakeholders by highlighting the latest trends and technologies from medical manufacturers, 3D printing companies, and more. This year was no exception!
The conference itself was divided into three comprehensive tracks: Medtech Research and Development; Product Development; and Quality and Manufacturing. Topics covered included emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, as well as automation and sensor technologies. Of particular interest to Match Point Strategies was the robust series of panel discussions ranging from “Replacing Pills with Electricity: The Reality and Future of Bioelectric Medicine” to “How Miniaturization is Driving Design in Top Medical Device Categories.” Both sessions underscored the growing importance that material selection has when it comes to meeting critical quality performance imperatives. Innovations specific to bioelectronics and neuromodulation devices were also topics of interest, as were discussions specific to integrated digital health during both the technical tracks and exhibitor expo.
The expo had strong representation and expertise in plastics, packaging, robotics, 3D printing, and automation, with industry leaders like additive manufacturer Protolabs and micromolding principle Accumold on hand to showcase their products. Apparently, every major medical device company wants a robot as robot-assisted surgery emerges as the new reality!
As an industry observer, I was disappointed at the limited presence of true plastic and ceramic material players at MD&M Minneapolis. Walking the expo, many badges were those of original equipment manufacturers and design engineers who would value conversations regarding new market materials and available form factors. We also felt that the critical nature of materials offering true biocompatibility specific to the new ISO 10993 standards would have also generated significant interest.
Interested in discussing materials used in the medical technology space? The staff at Match Point Strategies has expertise in plastics and ceramics used in this growing market. Drop us a note with your area of interest — we’d love to talk to you!
