Orchid Design gains rapid prototyping abilities
October, 2008

Shelton, CT October, 2008 – Orchid Design, a division of Orchid Orthopedic Solutions, has purchased the newest 3D printer from Objet. The Objet 3D printer turns 3D CAD models into actual ABS-like plastic parts within hours.

According to Steve Santangelo, Orchid Design Senior Engineer, “By adapting rapid prototyping processes in the development cycle, component designs can be quickly iterated, evaluated for fit and function, and provide valuable insight to the manufacturing team on setups, processes, tooling, and fixturing before metal is ever cut.”

Santangelo says that rapid prototyping can help improve the manufacturing process as well as the design cycle. “With the Object printer, one can quickly produce a scaled plastic prototype to physically evaluate critical features and aid in process definition. Additionally, parts can be produced at various manufacturing stages.”

About Orchid Design
Orchid Design is a full service contract product design and development firm focused on the orthopedic industry, with locations in Shelton, CT and Memphis, TN. From concept development, through small scale manufacturing, they provide engineering expertise to companies developing medical devices. With over 175 years of engineering experience on their team, a state of the art model shop and biomechanical testing facilities, they are able to develop quality products and reduce time to market for their customers.

About Orchid Orthopedic Solutions
Orchid Orthopedic Solutions is a worldwide leader in contract design and manufacturing for the orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular markets.  Orchid’s mission is to be the leader in contract medical design and manufacturing by compressing time to market, providing new technology, and being the best total supply-chain value.  The company consists of five divisions that offer an array of implants and instruments within the five core capabilities: design, forging, machining, plastics, and coatings.