By Industrial Print Magazine Staff
Part 1 of 3
Tools and parts manufactured for the medical industry embrace additive manufacturing (AM) for many reasons. Using the technology, builds are realized in half the time of more laborious, costly methods. When faced with a challenge, companies increasingly choose to turn to three dimensional (3D) printing technologies.
Meeting the Challenge
Pristine Surgical combines single-use endoscopes with cloud-based software to make minimally invasive visualization more efficient, consistent, and safe. It offers a subscription business model with transparent pricing and automated inventory management, delivering improved workflow and reduced costs to the endoscopy suite.
The medical device company was faced with a challenge when it began developing its Summit 4K single-use surgical arthroscope. Looking to create a compact device with delicate electronic components, optical systems, and mechanical parts, Pristine Surgical needed this to all come together within a space the size of a pencil eraser.
It immediately turned to 3D printing, knowing it was a manufacturing solution capable of producing rapid prototypes with small, intricate parts. However, traditional AM solutions did not meet the micro-levels it was looking to achieve.
After researching options, Pristine Surgical chose Boston Micro Fabrication’s (BMF’s) 3D printing technology for its advanced micro-precision capabilities. The microArch series provides ultra-high resolution, accuracy, and precision for industrial applications, with the ability to match the resolution and tolerance of micro-injection molding. It leverages projection micro stereolithography technology.
BMF’s printers are known for their micron-level resolutions, which was essential in creating the tiny, intricate parts needed for the Summit 4K device. The technology allowed Pristine Surgical to move quickly from digital designs to physical prototypes. The medical device company was able to test the functionality and fit of the designs within the working arthroscope since the prototypes were so accurate.
“Our BMF 3D printer is a critical part of our design and development process. Having this tool allows for rapid iteration of new ideas and concepts, saving us time and money by accelerating the product’s journey to market,” says Michael Herda, director of product development and systems management, Pristine Surgical.
Accelerated Process
In the example of manufacturing the Summit 4K, with the help of the BMF 3D printers, Pristine Surgical’s development process was accelerated. It produced accurate parts, which streamlined design and testing and contributed to cost savings by reducing the need for rework.
As such, Pristine Surgical’s Summit 4K single-use surgical arthroscope marks a breakthrough in minimally invasive surgical visualization. Designed to simplify endoscopic procedures with high-resolution 4K imaging, it offers a fully integrated, sterile, single-use solution that reduces the complexities associated with reusable scopes.
Read part two and three of this series.
Mar2025, Industrial Print Magazine
