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I-Form and Fort Wayne Metals to collaborate on development of novel 3D printed wires for medical device industry

I-Form's agreement with US manufacturing company Fort Wayne Metals will involve development of 3D printed wires for use in next generation medical devices.

Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) of wire and tubing using metal alloys will be researched as part of the four-year deal. End products in the medical field that can use these devices will include next generation catheters and stents.

 “This long-term engagement with I-Form will be an important part of our R&D programme and supports our recently announced expansion at the Castlebar site. We look forward to collaborating on the development of additively manufactured components for the medical device industry” said Michael O’Donnell, Managing Director of Fort Wayne Metals Ireland.

The I-Form research team will be led by Prof Dermot Brabazon at Dublin City University (DCU) (above). “The cutting-edge additive manufacturing equipment and expertise across the I-Form Centre will support the delivery of this collaborative research programme with Fort Wayne Metals. We are excited to partner with the company on developing innovative components for the next generation of medical devices” said Prof Brabazon.

 Welcoming the announcement, Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, said: “Collaboration and innovation are at the very core of the SFI Research Centre network, which continues to build on Ireland’s international reputation for research excellence. We look forward to seeing the results of this industry partnership between the I-Form SFI Research Centre and Fort Wayne Metals, which is supporting the development of innovative manufacturing solutions.”

 Fort Wayne Metals is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with an Irish unit based in Castlebar. The company recently announced a €10 million, five-year expansion programme creating 80 additional science and technology jobs.

 I-Form’s mission is to shape the future of manufacturing through high-impact research into the application of digital technologies to materials processing. I-Form brings together a nationwide pool of expertise in materials science, engineering, data analytics and cognitive computing.

Fort Wayne Metals is a leading manufacturer of medical materials, producing precision wire and components for all types of medical devices. The company’s materials are used in guidewires, stents, embolic filters, pacemaker leads, neurostimulation leads, endoscopy, orthopaedic devices, and more.

Fort Wayne Metals Ireland commenced operations in Castlebar in 2002 and now employs 110 staff. The Company manufactures products for medical device companies in Ireland, Europe and Asia. The parent company headquartered in Indiana, USA, is a privately held company with twelve manufacturing plants.