The early stages of developing a new product require a lot of refining . With this technology you can create , amend and reprint
academic institutions has enabled the company to successfully launch its first product in the UK and international markets in just two years .
The team is now in the process of developing its next product , working closely with Gary Fenton , a medical product designer from Formative Design , also based in the 3M BIC , who designed the CAD files , and leading engineering company Renishaw , which specialises in precision measurement and healthcare , to create the prototype in stainless steel .
Hannah Longbottom , director of Innovate Orthopaedics , explains : “ Surgeons come to us with problems they are having in theatre . Working directly with them we can understand and analyse the problem . We then work with our partners to design a solution and then get it manufactured . We are careful to ensure that there is a real need for a solution both from a commercial and clinical-benefit angle . It ’ s a win-win situation . We get a commercially viable product and surgeons get a high-quality product that improves their clinical practice .
“ Capabilities such as additive manufacturing are invaluable to our business . The early stages of developing a new product require a lot of refining . With this technology you can create , amend and reprint . It ’ s also perfect for low volume production . The continuous investment at the 3M BIC in 3D technology means that we were able to advance from plastic to metal printing .
“ Working with academic institutions such as Imperial College , Sheffield and Huddersfield University gives us access to research facilities that would normally be out of our reach . We were able to access facilities and expertise to create prototypes , evaluate ‘ first-off ’ designs and produce publishable research .
“ Being a small business we have the advantage in that we can follow the full product journey , from initial concept to design , refining and manufacturing , as well as seeing the product implanted into patients . It ’ s fantastic to see our vision for the business become a reality .”
THE FUTURE OF COLLABORATION
Collaboration will continue to drive innovation for many years to come as businesses realise the benefits . To inspire the next generation of collaborators , the 3M BIC team has been interacting with schools to promote careers in STEM .
3M BIC ’ s virtual prototype car was so good , sales took off before production even began
3M BIC ’ s Centre manager Dr Michael Wilson explains : “ There is currently a skills shortage which is critically affecting STEM projects across the board , due to lack of engineers and scientists . Our outreach work with local schools gives us an opportunity to showcase what technology can do .
“ We have a young design team that can connect with students , and with a combination of entertainment and enthusiasm we can hopefully stimulate interest in future careers in STEM .”
Future plans for the 3M BIC involve data visualisation for businesses and training suites , as well as opening a sister building , The Globe , later in 2017 , which will house grow-on space for 3M BIC tenants to spin out and space for startups and local artisan retailers . ■
For more information about the 3M BIC , visit 3mbic . com , call 01484 505601 or email info @ 3mbic . com . More information on Innovate Orthopaedics can be found at www . innovateortho . co . uk
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