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EDEN PRAIRIE, MN & REHOVOT, Israel, Nov 28, 2023 – Stratasys Ltd., a leader in polymer 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, announced it has partnered with Siemens Healthineers to carry out a landmark research project designed to develop new state-of-the-art solutions for the advancement of medical imaging phantoms for computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Use of 3D printing may improve outcomes by providing 3D modeling to provider doctors with real scenarios to practice and consult with. (Photo: Business Wire)

A critical tool in medical imaging and an almost universal resource in hospitals worldwide, CT phantoms are specialized devices used to evaluate and ensure the performance of CT scanners. Designed to simulate certain characteristics of the human body, phantoms enable the assessment of various core metrics, including radiation dose and image quality, aiding calibration and safeguarding consistent scanner performance. The joint development leverages Stratasys’ PolyJet technology in combination with its unique RadioMatrix technology, and Siemens Healthineers’ advanced algorithm aimed at translating scanned patient images into specific material characteristics with radiopacity of human anatomy. The solution will allow for tailored phantom manufacturing and the creation of ultra-realistic human anatomy characteristics with complete radiographic accuracy of patient-specific pathology not previously possible.

Use of 3D printing may improve outcomes by providing 3D modeling to provider doctors with real scenarios to practice and consult with. (Photo: Business Wire)

This joint project will transform how phantoms can be utilized in the medical field, and in certain cases even enable device manufacturers and academic facilities to replace human cadavers with 3D printed structures. Having this capability enables critical efficiencies and minimizes inevitable human variability. This work will also produce a critical body of research data, providing key insights for advancing CT system algorithms, driving materials development, and unlocking potential new application areas – as well as identifying future research opportunities.

“The current limitations of imaging phantoms have been a longstanding challenge for the radiology community,” said Erez Ben Zvi, vice president medical at Stratasys. “This partnership with Siemens Healthineers will enable us to jointly explore the vast possibilities of our radiopaque materials and 3D printing technologies to overcome these barriers.”

Beginning with the manufacturing of 3D printed phantoms for smaller-scale anatomies of the head and neck region, the research will involve the production of progressively larger and complex anatomies – leading up to the Phase One endpoint of 3D printing a heart model and of an entire human torso with complete radiographic accuracy.

“Knowledge gained from this project provides a breakthrough in medical imaging that will open up new avenues for uses when it comes to 3D printing and imaging,” said Lampros Theodorakis, head of computed tomography product & clinical marketing at Siemens Healthineers. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead of us as a result of this partnership and believe it will have long-term impacts for medical and academic applications.”

About Stratasys

Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, fashion and education. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care.

To learn more about Stratasys, visit www.stratasys.com.

LONDON, UK, Nov 27, 2023 – AMFG has announced that OECHSLER has partnered with them to implement a new order stream and online ordering portal.

Founded in 1864, OECHSLER has evolved into a premier polymer technology company serving global clients in the automotive, consumer, sporting goods, healthcare, and innovative technology sectors. The company has cultivated a culture and work environment that centers around technology as the foundation for delivering pioneering and sustainable solutions, allowing OECHSLER to forge new frontiers in collaboration with its customers, employees, and partners.

OECHSLER has earned a reputation for inspiring renowned customers with groundbreaking Additive Manufacturing solutions that have reshaped product cycles in various sectors. They have successfully left their mark on the professional football helmet industry, automotive seating, and consumer goods like bike saddles, shoe midsoles, and backpacks for outdoor enthusiasts.

With this new partnership, OECHSLER gains access to AMFG’s Instant Quotation Tool through the order portal, revolutionizing its quoting process. AMFG’s cutting-edge Instant Quote tool replaces labor-intensive manual tasks with streamlined algorithms that align seamlessly with OECHSLER’s current quotation logic.

With the integration of AMFG’s MES (Manufacturing Execution System) software, OECHSLER achieves significant improvements in production efficiency. OECHSLER’s machines are now directly linked to this software system, resulting in a remarkable 35% reduction in processing time.

“After a longstanding evaluation of potential providers, only AMFG provided a solution for the full additive workflow to give us the agility we needed. When you have to manage 1m+ parts per annum, ensuring you have the right MES is a critical requirement.” said Andreas Knoechel, head of additive manufacturing, OECHSLER.

Moreover, AMFG’s comprehensive order management system empowers OECHSLER with end-to-end visibility into their production process. Tracking and reviewing part and order statuses has become simple, and provides full traceability to the company.

Commenting on the success of the project, AMFG’s Technical Consultant Lorenzo Civaia stated, “Oechsler’s strategic vision extends far beyond the mere adoption of an MES, they are fully harnessing the power of AMFG’s automation and integration capabilities to drive operational excellence in manufacturing.”

About AMFG

AMFG is a leading provider of MES software for manufacturing. Their software solutions empower manufacturers, allowing them to manage their workflows and achieve streamlined, automated processes.

With over 500 successful implementations in 35 countries and across a range of industries, they specialize in enabling companies to successfully integrate their software for AM and CNC production, into their wider manufacturing processes and scale their AM operations.

For more information, please visit www.amfg.ai.