AMTEC serves customers in the medical industry by giving them access to a controlled environment complete with Laser Marking, 3D and Pad Printing options for implantable medical devices, or the option to purchase our top-of-the-line printing machinery for their in-house use. As a printing service provider, we adhere to the stringent ISO standards established to maintain a high level of Quality control, cleanliness, and organization across all of our processes.

  1. Laser Marking
  2. Pad Printing
  3. Hybrid Printing
  4. 3D Printing


Laser Systems for Implantable Medical Devices

Laser Printed Text on Medical ImplantLaser technology provides consistent process control and material processing to help meet some of the strictest industry requirements. Laser markings offer a variety of benefits, including the ability to resist cleaners, acids, and bodily fluids. The surface structure also maintains stability, and surgical instruments may be easier to clean and sterilize in some applications, depending on the marking process used.


Materials Used for Laser Marking

Laser systems use multiple materials to complete the laser marking process. These include:

  • Titanium alloys
  • Stainless steel
  • Coated metals
  • Ceramic
  • Plastics such as Nylon, PE, PP, PEEK, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene Silicone and many more


Applications of Laser Marking for Medical Devices

Laser marking provides solvent free process for many types of devices, such as:

  • Several surgical instrument for different usesSurgical tools and instruments, including probing devices and sensitive products
  • Artificial joints
  • Hypodermic needles
  • Catheters
  • Hearing aids and many other medical devices which require permanent marking.


Advantages of AMTEC Inc.’s Laser Marking Services

The laser marking services from AMTEC Inc. offer the following benefits to clients in the medical field:

  • FDA – UDI (Unique Device Identification) Code marking
  • QR & micro-QR coding for Human & machine readable form
  • Fast and accurate
  • Permanent
  • Low set up and operating cost
  • Applicable on any substrate
  • No consumables required
  • Environment friendly


Medical Device Pad Printing

Pad printing is a type of proven technology used to identify products using medical-grade ink, which is a type of pad printing ink specially designed for medical devices, masks, and PPE. Our medical grade is safe for human contact in accordance with FDA requirements, however application specific certification is recommended.


Medical Device Pad Printing Process

Catheter Pad Printing

The medical device pad printing process entails a series of steps to apply ink to various surfaces.

First, the system requires an .EPS artwork file. A photosensitive process or laser then etches the printing plate or cliché. This etched plate attaches to a pad printing machine, after which an ink cup moves over the plate to add ink to the plate’s etched artwork. After returning to its original position, the cup removes excess ink. A silicone transfer pad lifts tacky ink from the printing plate, and the ink is then transferred to the substrate surface. At this point, the process repeats for next part.


Applications of Pad Printing in the Medical Field

There are many potential applications for pad printing in the medical industry, such as:

  • Catheters
  • Disposables
  • Adapters
  • Syringes
  • Lenses


Advantages of AMTEC Inc.’s Pad Printing Process

The pad printing process we provide at AMTEC Inc. offers several unique benefits:

  • High resolution
  • Easy setup
  • Low cost of operation
  • Versatile
  • Medical-grade inks


Hybrid Printing for Medical Devices

Process developed for printing and marking on many un-printable substrates and also for variable data coding with medical grade ink. It also enables better contrast and durability for coding on medical devices.

At AMTEC, our printing experts can evaluate your particular application and determine if the Hybrid printing is required and which Hybrid process best meets your specificity and complies with FDA requirements.


3D Printing – Medical Devices

3D printing is one of the most recent technologies applied to the manufacture and development of medical products. 3D printing offers a level of flexibility that enables engineers and designers to make any necessary changes without any need for additional tools or equipment. Manufacturers also have the ability to develop custom devices featuring complex internal designs that are specific to each patient.


3D Printing Materials Used for Implantable Medical Devices

Implantable medical devices use a variety of materials depending on their intended function. These materials may include the following:

  • 3D Printing ApplicationBiomedical Polymer Materials. Some applications may use either non-degradable or degradable biomedical polymer materials. Non-degradable materials feature superior mechanical and physical properties and have the ability to maintain stability in many types of biological environments. Degradable materials degrade in biological environments, eventually leading to the body absorbing them and eliminating them as a waste byproduct.
  • Biomedical Metal Materials. These materials consist of alloys or metals used in surgical implants. They offer excellent resistance to fatigue along with mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Joint and bone substitutes often use these materials, and other potential applications include cardiovascular and spinal implants.
  • Biomedical Ceramic Materials. These include bioactive, biodegradable, and bioinert materials. Bioactive ceramics rely on chemical reactions in the body to bond with tissues, while biodegradable ceramics help bones grow due to the body’s ability to absorb them. Bioinert ceramics feature high strength and a stable structure, along with stable chemical properties and abrasion resistance.
  • Biomedical Composite Materials. Two or more different materials make up biomedical composite materials. Some of the applications for these materials include the repair, replacement, or enhancement of human organ and tissue function.
  • BioDerived Materials. The functions and configurations of these materials are similar to those of natural tissues. They help replace and maintain human dynamic processes, with applications including skin masks, artificial heart valves, vascular restoration, and bone restoration.


Applications of 3D Printing in the Medical Field

There are several key applications of 3D printing for medical devices, including:

  • Vascular Stents. This interventional treatment for cardiovascular disease entails a minimally invasive surgical procedure. 3D-printed stents allow for quicker recovery, less trauma, and less pain compared to other treatments.
  • Prosthetic Valves. Prosthetic heart valves help ensure blood flows in the right direction after biological heart valves fail. Using a 3D-printed heart valve, patients benefit from a customized valve for improved stability and accuracy, reduced rejection reactions, and a higher chance of successful implantation.
  • Orthopedic Implants. Many patients require bone implants to repair a variety of defects. However, traditional implant preparation methods such as fiber bonding and phase separation don’t precisely control the pore size and shape of artificial bone scaffolds. 3D printing makes it easier to create personalized orthopedic implants.
  • Artificial Joint Prostheses. 3D printing technology has helped design artificial joint prostheses. Total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, and finger joint replacement are some of the specific applications of this technology.
  • Human Organs. 3D printing aids in the construction of functional liver, kidney, skin, and other tissues or organs.


Advantages of AMTEC’s 3D Printing Process

At AMTEC, our 3D printing process offers a number of benefits for clients in the medical field, such as:

  • Low cost of manufacturing, setup, and operation
  • Versatile
  • Easy setup
  • User-friendly
  • Consistent

Implantable Medical Device Printing Equipment and Services from AMTEC Inc.

Whether you require 3D printing, pad printing, or laser marking services for medical products, the professionals at AMTEC Inc. can help. We are a leading provider of some of the most reliable 3D and pad printing systems, along with laser marking machines and more. If you’re in need of top-quality machinery, systems, and accessories, we have a wide selection of supplies to meet your specifications. We’ve served customers in the medical field and many other industries to provide them with the solutions they need for consistent results.

Do you have additional questions about our products and services? Contact us today. For help finding the right systems and machines for your application, request a quote.