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GE Additive and Orchid Orthopedic Solutions signed a definitive agreement to continue driving the adoption of additive manufacturing through the use of electron beam melting (EBM) solutions in the orthopedic industry.
Orchid will make a significant investment to enable scalability and full production support for its customers by purchasing GE Additive EBM Spectra L systems, service agreements, AP&C metal powders and AddWorks consultancy services. Installation of the first machines will commence in 2022. Following machine installation and validation, Orchid expects to be ready for production in 2024.
Nate Folkert, Chief Executive Officer, Orchid, said, “Customers will have the assurance that we are taking an extra level of care by partnering with GE Additive. I look forward to seeing Orchid drive continued additive manufacturing innovation as a result of this agreement.”
GE Additive and Orchid are focused on co-marketing activities aimed at driving further awareness of EBM technology in 3D metal printed large joint orthopedic implants.
Once installed and operational, Orchid’s fleet of Spectra L machines will allow it to manufacture large orthopedic implants, such as complete knee components, acetabular cups and more.
The Arcam EBM Spectra L allows for the mass production of parts by providing the ability to tightly stack parts without compromising on quality. The improved melt process is designed to yield consistent material properties for thin and bulky geometries.
Some key features:
- Enhanced part quality, with improved surface finish and improved material properties
- Reduced cost per part due to increased build speed, the largest EBM build volume, and the ability to tightly stack parts
- Integrated system architecture, with standardized IoT interface, data analytics for machine health monitoring and the new Powder Recovery Station, PRS 30
