World-Class Laboratory Services at Orthoplastics

At Orthoplastics, we are renowned for our commitment to advancing the medical device sector through our state-of-the-art laboratory capabilities. Our lab specialises in the testing and development of polymeric materials such as Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and it is equipped to meet the industry's rigorous demands.

Accreditation and Expertise

Orthoplastics operates under a framework of excellence, as demonstrated by our ISO/IEC17025 accreditation, a testament to the precision and reliability of our testing processes. This accreditation, granted by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), assures our clients of our high standards and commitment to quality.

Our laboratory’s capabilities are broad, encompassing everything from routine testing to advanced failure analysis, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Mechanical and Chemical Testing

Our laboratory offers a wide array of testing services designed to assess both the short-term and long-term performance of materials. These include:

● Mechanical Testing: We conduct comprehensive tests to evaluate the mechanical integrity of materials. This ensures that products can withstand the physical stresses they will encounter in real-world medical applications.

● Chemical Analysis: The chemical composition of materials is crucial for their performance and safety. Our laboratory employs sophisticated analytical techniques to identify polymer types, additives and potential contaminants.

Supporting Product Development

At Orthoplastics, we’re deeply involved in the entire product development cycle. We work closely with our clients' design and development teams to streamline the creation and optimisation of medical devices. Our laboratory contributes to various stages of product approval, including submissions for CE marking and FDA 510(k) clearance.

Custom Solutions and R&D

We specialise in creating custom material solutions tailored to specific research and development needs, including:

● Bespoke Material Manufacture: Creating custom polymers, particularly UHMWPE, to suit unique project requirements.

● Innovative Testing Methods: Developing and executing specialised test programmes that adhere to relevant standards and client specifications.

Advanced Laboratory Equipment

Our laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology to facilitate sophisticated testing and analysis. Key equipment includes:

● Nicolet iN10 FTIR Spectrometer for advanced chemical analysis.
● Netzsch DSC 200 F3 Maia for thermal analysis.
● Tinius Olsen Testing Machines for comprehensive mechanical testing.

This equipment enables us to perform a variety of tests, from determining material properties such as tensile strength and impact resistance to analysing chemical composition and purity.

Commitment to Excellence

At Orthoplastics, our commitment to supporting our customers doesn't end with providing high-quality materials and testing services. We continuously invest in new technologies and methods to stay at the forefront of the orthopaedic implant industry.

Our goal is to provide our clients with the knowledge, resources and innovation needed to succeed in the highly competitive medical device market.

Speaking about our laboratory services, Mark Allen, Managing Director, said: “Testing is a vital part of manufacturing. From our UKAS-accredited laboratory, we rigorously test every product to ensure it meets our stringent quality standards. When clients choose our laboratory services, they gain peace of mind that their product is being tested to the very highest standards.”

Continuous Collaboration and Support

We understand that the path from concept to market for medical devices is complex. That's why we offer continuous support throughout the product development process. Ensuring that our clients feel supported and valued helps them navigate their journey with confidence.

We are a partner in innovation and quality assurance, helping to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical device development. Whether you're at the initial stages of design or ready for final product testing, our laboratory is equipped to support your goals with precision and expertise.