SKZ presents premium partner award in the field of research to Efinger Orthopädietechnik GmbH
As in previous years, the SKZ is once again awarding the ‘Premium Partner’ award retroactively for 2024 to companies that work together with the Plastics Centre to advance the plastics industry. ‘The Premium Partner selection includes companies that tackle problems and issues together with us and solve them with an innovative approach. Together with Efinger Orthopädietechnik GmbH, which is known in the industry as a specialist, we have pooled our expertise to take orthopaedic technology a decisive step forward, especially through additive manufacturing,’ reports Matthias Ruff, authorised signatory and Sales Manager Education & Research at the SKZ in Würzburg.
Premium Partner Award handover between SKZ and Efinger Orthopädietechnik. From left to right: Sönke Sternkopf and Jonas Staus (both Efinger Orthopädietechnik GmbH), Matthias Ruff and Irena Heuzeroth (both SKZ - KFE gGmbH). (Image source: SKZ)
Collaboration using state-of-the-art technologies and with added value for people
‘The realisation of innovative projects would not have been possible without the excellent cooperation of all those involved. Together with Efinger Orthopädietechnik, we have succeeded in developing pioneering solutions in the additive manufacturing of orthoses that set new standards in terms of both functionality and cost-effectiveness. Close interdisciplinary cooperation and a high level of commitment play a key role in providing adults and children with physical disabilities with state-of-the-art medical aids. We would like to thank the team at Efinger Orthopädietechnik for the trusting collaboration and look forward to further joint projects on innovations in an interesting niche area of medical technology,’ says Irena Heuzeroth, research associate in the field of additive manufacturing.
‘The orthopaedic technology sector has been confronted with rapid technological change for some time now. While orthopaedic craftsmanship is still a central component in providing patients with individual and professional care on a daily basis, digital possibilities such as 3D scanning, 3D design and finally 3D printing for the production of aids are playing an increasingly important role,’ emphasises Sönke Sternkopf, workshop manager for orthopaedic technology at Efinger Orthopädietechnik since 1993.
The potential for cooperation between the SKZ and the digital transformation in orthopaedic technology, particularly in the field of additive manufacturing research, is therefore obvious.
‘On the one hand, the SKZ offers us excellent access to research projects, and on the other, we can synergistically combine expertise in highly specialised design methods, additive manufacturing processes and individual testing devices for the validation of medical products,’ says Jonas Staus, Strategy & Innovation at Efinger Orthopädietechnik GmbH.
The companies Efinger Orthopädietechnik GmbH and SKZ - Das Kunststoff-Zentrum are working together to further develop the additive value chain as an innovation driver within orthopaedic technology in order to create added value for patients. A challenge that both companies will continue to tackle in the future.
More information about Efinger Orthopädietechnik at:
https://www.efinger-ot.de
More information on additive manufacturing at the SKZ:
https://www.skz.de/en/research/process/additive-manufacturing
