Evonik to set up competence centre for collaborative R&D

Specialty chemicals supplier, Evonik, has announced that it is set to positions its Medical Devices Project House as a permanent competence center starting this April.

Based in Birmingham Alabama, the project house hosts more than 20 qualified scientists who have been working on the enhancement of existing materials and application in technologies since 2014. The scientists are utilising technologies such as precision extrusion, injection moulding and 3D printing to rapidly evaluate material properties and create prototypes.

Starting in April, Evonik will integrate the activities of the project house into a competence center operated by its Health Care Business Line.

Harald Schwager, deputy chairman of the Evonik Executive Board, said: “We want to position Evonik as a leading material supplier and development partner when it comes to patient-friendly medical device solutions. The project house has advanced our knowledge a great deal in this field.”

Jean-Luc Herbeaux, SVP and head of the Health Care Business Line at Evonik, said: “The knowhow and competencies developed over the course of the last four years will enable us to become a leading provider of innovative biomaterial and application technology solutions and to better support our medical device customers in their innovation journey.”

“We want to support the industry with their need for printable medical grade polymers so patients with e.g. cranial or facial injuries can receive customized implants. So far, surgeons can only choose from a selection of standard sizes.” Herbeaux continued.