Qwadra, the digital arm of Eqwal and a leading global provider of digital solutions in the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) sector, has entered a strategic alliance with Denmark-based Create it REAL, renowned for its cutting-edge 3D printing technologies. This partnership aims to integrate Create it REAL’s multi-patented Programmable Foam technology into Qwadra’s Sona Flex and Sona Edge 3D printers. The collaboration is expected to empower healthcare professionals to manufacture custom orthopedic devices with enhanced precision, speed, and material efficiency.
The Sona Edge printer is particularly designed to handle varying levels of rigidity and flexibility within orthopedic corsets, allowing for a more tailored fit. By leveraging Programmable Foam technology, clinicians can customize devices to address specific patient needs, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. Luc Boronat, CEO of Qwadra, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Create it REAL solidifies our leadership in 3D printing innovation for the orthotics sector. The capability to manage rigidity and density in Sona Edge and Sona Flex enables practitioners to create custom orthopedic devices that optimize comfort and therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing waste.”
Jacob Nissen, CEO of Create it REAL, underscored the partnership’s environmental advantages: “We are on a digitalization journey with a higher goal of making the future greener. Our collaboration with Qwadra represents a significant advancement in integrating CAD systems with advanced 3D printing technologies, facilitating sustainable production and reducing the carbon footprint in the healthcare industry.”
In addition to enhancing patient comfort, this partnership emphasizes responsible resource utilization. The innovative production methods aim to significantly decrease material waste and support recycling initiatives, fostering a more circular economy. The Sona Flex printer enables practitioners to manipulate a diverse range of foam densities, striking a balance between orthopedic correction and patient comfort. Both platforms are poised for development in the upcoming months, expanding their capabilities for designing and producing orthopedic devices.
In related news, U.S.-based 3D printer manufacturer 3D Systems has recently received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its multi-material, 3D-printed denture solution. This approval allows the commercialization of monolithic (one-piece) dentures that integrate NextDent Jet Denture Teeth and NextDent Jet Denture Base materials into a single product. Utilizing the company’s MultiJet Printing (MJP) technology, these dentures aim to deliver enhanced break resistance and improved aesthetics. The denture market is projected to exceed $2 billion by 2028, and restorative dental device manufacturer Glidewell has begun incorporating 3D Systems’ FDA-cleared denture capabilities into its production workflow.
Meanwhile, biotechnology company Frontier Bio has reported significant progress in developing lab-grown lung tissue by combining bioprinting with the self-organizing properties of stem cells. This innovation focuses on producing microscale lung tissue that could revolutionize treatments for respiratory diseases and future organ transplants. Traditional animal models often fail to accurately represent human biology, leading to unreliable trial results. Frontier Bio’s lab-grown tissue presents a viable alternative that may better align with human physiological responses, potentially increasing clinical trial success rates.
The engineered tissue replicates essential lung structures, including bronchioles and alveolar sacs, and is capable of producing mucus and surfactant, closely mimicking vital lung functions. With over 34 million individuals suffering from chronic lung diseases, this advancement holds promise for generating lung tissue for transplants and enhancing respiratory treatments.
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