Developing our Direct Compression Moulding Capabilities
Orthoplastics has focused on advanced methods of manufacturing UHMWPE and is a World leader in Direct Compression Moulding technology with over 30 years’ experience of orthopaedic plastic manufacturing.
As we strive to improve patient outcomes through innovation, we are excited to announce that we have expanded our direct compression moulding capability with the addition of 5 brand new machines during the last quarter of 2019 to help us advance orthopaedic developments as well as respond to growing market demands and patient expectations.
This decision is part of a long-term business strategy focused on introducing new and improved manufacturing technologies.
Managing Director, Mark Allen said, “We have always been clear that we want Orthoplastics to be known not just as a leading manufacturer and supplier of UHMWPE, but a business that is making recognised contributions to the advancement of the product and its applications across the world.”
Our investment in equipment, technology and in-house capabilities is part of our bigger vision to be at the forefront of setting standards and making new breakthroughs when it comes to manufacturing and designing materials for wide-ranging orthopaedic applications.
Our ultimate aim is to be the best it can be when it comes to innovative UHMWPE design and manufacturing techniques and to ensure that its materials and processes support the manufacture of Orthopaedic limbs and components that can improve the quality of lives for patients through extended product life span, quality and strength.
Creating components with a high gloss finish
Although Direct Compression Moulding is known to be a relatively expensive method of sintering the polymer, it produces components with a high gloss finish.
We have focused on advancing this method of manufacturing UHMWPE to ensure that components produced this way are optimised. We have also pioneered the development of an ‘insert moulding’ process, which allows UHMWPE to be moulded onto or into another steel, titanium or ceramic part.
Medical grade moulding of individual components
Direct Compression Moulding has the capability to produce products which cannot currently be produced, pushing the design envelope for medical grade orthopaedic components. Each component is individually moulded, allowing the finite controlling of all aspects of pressure, temperature and time, during critical consolidation.
By focusing on innovation, this method of manufacture has produced unique over moulding capabilities to produce Mono block components that have a high gloss moulded surface. These design and aesthetically pleasing products provide an alternative market solution to any OEM’s portfolio.
Our Direct Moulding Services
Our Direct Compression Moulding services are at the forefront of new product development. Using our technological expertise, we can bring to market new innovative product solutions to address failure modes typical within orthopaedic implants
Although the technology has been in existence since the 1990's, the new generation of technologies which have been invested in, particularly the 3D printer, allows printed metals and other porous metals technologies to be created.