Lincotek Medical continues US expansion to support orthopaedic implants demand
Lincotek Medical is continuing its global medical investment program to expand its facilities and help OEMs meet the rising demand for orthopedic implants globally through new technologies, automation and workforce training.
The latest step has been focused on the expansion of its Bartlett plant in the greater Memphis area, where the company has recently doubled its manufacturing footprint to around 25,000 sq. ft with a new industrial workspace. The company has also significantly increased its coating capacity with the purchase of two new pieces of automated equipment — a CAPS Intercooler and an Air Plasma Spray (APS) — along with an automatic sandblasting machine, all created by the Group’s Equipment Division.
With the installation of a new CAPS Intercooler — a cutting-edge, proprietary technology widely recognized for its highly advanced porous coatings with unique material performance — the company can now rely on two CAPS Intercoolers in the US, two in the EU and two in Asia-Pacific. The result is the ability to replicate a high consistency-of-quality in coatings all over the world through the same process control.
The coating investment is completed by the new APS line, which is based on the Lincotek unique twin approach, allowing for movement from one line to another achieving identical coating parameters, just by moving the production programs. The validation of Lincotek’s wide range of orthopedic device coatings is supported by multiple master-files with the FDA. All process inputs are monitored and recorded, assuring quality reliability and supporting OEMs in process auditing.
Lincotek Medical is also investing heavily on the additive side in the US. Being a contract manufacturer of medical devices using additive technology, and with several additive machines already in production in Bartlett, Lincotek Medical is improving further its laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities in the US. It has validated its AM process in line with FDA guidance and invested in an AM dedicated team, supporting the OEMs managing complex supply chains with state-of-the-art solutions. An in-house metallurgical laboratory supports production, maintaining the highest standards of quality throughout the operation.
The expansion of its coatings and additive capacity will allow the company to follow market growth and will significantly increase its flexibility and production capacity: orthopedic OEMs will benefit from a reduced time-to-market on a global basis and stronger global risk mitigation capabilities.