From April 1, 2018, the German materials company Evonik Group transformed its temporary project building in Birmingham, Ala., into a permanent global technology center. Facilities and facilities provided by the Evonik Group Healthcare Business Line. Will support innovation of medical device original equipment manufacturers.
In its announcement, Evonik stated that over the past four years, more than 20 scientists at the Birmingham Project Center have been working on improving existing materials and applied technologies. In addition to sophisticated technologies such as precision extrusion and injection molding, the project Also uses 3D printing and electrospinning technology to quickly evaluate material properties and create prototypes.
Evonik has a 40-year history in Alabama, especially in Mobile. With the acquisition of SurModics in 2011, Evonik opened a store in Birmingham. According to the Alabama News Center report, Evonik reported that President John Rolando pointed out that the University of Alabama's Birmingham, which has a reputation for medical research and investment, has made Alabama very attractive in the area of health care services.
Harald Schwager, vice chairman of Evonik's executive committee, stated: 'We hope that in the development of patient-friendly medical device solutions, Evonik can become a leading material supplier and development partner. The project's medical equipment field has greatly expanded our Cognitive perspective. '
Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Evonik’s senior vice president and head of healthcare operations, added: “The knowledge and capabilities developed over the past four years will enable us to become a leading supplier of innovative biomaterials and applied technology solutions, and better Support the path of innovation for our medical device customers. '
This global technology center is complementary to other established application laboratories in Shanghai, China and Darmstadt, Germany. These laboratories support major customer projects in large and large international markets. The owned technical equipment can support manufacturing. Testing and testing of prototypes made from new materials, not only in extrusion and injection molding processes, but also in products made with 3D printing technology.
HerBeaux believes that 3D printing has bright prospects in the field of medical devices. 'We hope to support and meet the needs of the medical device industry for printable medical grade polymers. For example, patients with skull or facial injuries can accept customized implants. However, So far, surgeons can only select implants from a variety of standard sizes.
Evonik's Healthcare business unit offers polylactide-glycolic biodegradable polymers sold under the name Resomer. Medical device manufacturers use this material to produce products that treat fractures and tendon ruptures, such as screws. , Pins and platelets, also includes biodegradable stents. The body absorbs the implants after a certain period of time, which means that there is no need for follow-up surgery to remove them. The stent reduces the risk of recurrent vascular occlusion.
Evonik has already begun construction of a new factory specializing in the production of Resomer products near the technical center.
The high-performance polymer business line will be the second largest sponsor of the technology center. It is biocompatible and can be used as a spinal, oral, maxillofacial, and skull implant, designed to stay in the human body and replace metal implants. Things.