Nexxt Spine is continuing to invest in additive manufacturing technology with the installation of its fifth Concept Laser Mlab machine from GE Additive, according to a report from GE Additive.
Five things to know:
1. Nexxt Spine designs and manufactures all of its implants exclusively at its facility in Noblesville, Ind. The company was established in 2009 to produce spinal screws, rods and plates with conventional subtractive manufacturing techniques, but began acquiring the Concept Laser Mlab technology in 2017.
"We used the first Mlab primarily for R&D purposes, but we soon realized that further investment in additive technology could add value not only to our overall growth strategy, but also at a clinical application level with the ability to develop implants with very intricate micro-geometries that could maximize healing," said Alaedeen Abu-Mulaweh, director of engineering at Nexxt Spine.
2. In the past two years, the company launched serial production using the additive manufacturing technology, which accelerated the time from concept to commercialization.
3. With the Concept Laser Mlab machines, Nexxt Spine owns the entire design, production and distribution process; it does not contract with other manufacturers. The company produces spinal fusion implants with an interconnected micro-lattice architecture to promote osteoconduction, osteointegration and boney fusion.
4. The Nexxt Matrixx System is the company's flagship product, launched in 2017 and made of titanium.
5. There is an increasing adoption of additive manufacturing in the orthopedic industry, according to GE Additive Senior Global and Key Accounts Director for the Medical Sector Stephan Zeidler. Companies are now scaling up for an increase in production volume.