Case Study: JointMedica achieves precise in-house orthopaedic implant manufacturing with Hexagon ALPHACAM

Software Assists Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Replacement Research and Development Activities

JointMedica, a producer of orthopaedic implants, needed to bring its high-level research and development for hip and knee replacements in-house. This required a CNC machine and CAD/CAM software capable of managing complex geometries through a combination of milling, turning, and multi-axis machining. The challenge was to find a solution that could ensure the highest precision and minimal material waste for both prototyping and creating custom patient-specific devices.

Hexagon's ALPHACAM software was implemented, integrating with a Brother Speedio 5-axis CNC machining centre. The solution provided the necessary accuracy for complex toolpaths, combining various operations like 3+2 axis and turning. As a result, JointMedica achieved industry expected tolerances, minimized material wastage, and gained the confidence that every bespoke implant is dimensionally correct and suitable for the patient the first time. Hexagon's technology is now an integral part of their manufacturing process.

JointMedica

Oliver Clayton

Manufacturing Engineer