Orthopaedic implants contract manufacturer Croom Medical has enjoyed a significant boost to its business thanks to its participation in an additive manufacturing (AM) project, supported by Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Ireland.
The programme’s insights into AM, also known as 3D printing, helped Croom Medical to enjoy a 5 per cent annual market share increase (equal to €250,000 in annual turnover), while the Limerick-based company has also recruited two new AM specialists.
EEN Ireland supported Croom Medical’s participation in the EU-backed Eureka programme by introducing them to Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), which, at that time, had been in the process of developing a Eureka application and had been struggling to find a medical device business that could direct, create, and test its new AM application. Croom Medical was the ideal partner.
AM is driving a revolution in engineering, delivering innovative new manufacturing processes that allow for faster prototyping, reducing manufacturing costs and improving product quality. The advent of AM has also transformed the future of orthopaedic treatments, offering customised implants tailored to each patient’s anatomy.
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Patrick Byrnes, chief executive of Croom Medical, said: “Our mission is to help our customers secure their supply chain, improve product quality and advance their innovation.”
Mr Byrnes saw that keeping pace with global competitiveness in the medical device industry was essential for the company’s sales growth.
He says that EEN’s help in connecting with IMR has been invaluable for Croom Medical. IMR also supports industry in areas such as digitisation, robotics and automation, design for manufacturing, and sustainable manufacturing.
“Thanks to IMR, our advancements in additive manufacturing significantly bolstered our market position by enabling us to offer more innovative and customised solutions in the orthopaedic implant sector,” noted Mr Byrnes.
An innovator since its foundation in 1984, Croom Medical is now a leader in the provision of orthopaedic implants and medical device innovation, collaborating with multinational OEMs worldwide.
In addition to customisation and personalisation, Croom Medical developed an enhanced rapid prototyping capability for components with complex geometries and porous structures. Cost and material efficiencies were achieved in small batch production, along with enhanced product performance.
“The efficiency and flexibility of AM have shortened our time-to-market for new products. Being able to quickly respond to emerging trends or clinical needs with innovative solutions has strengthened our competitive advantage,” explained Mr Byrnes.
Ann Dooley, senior technology transfer expert with EEN Ireland, as well as Eureka technical expert for Horizon Europe, worked closely with Croom Medical, helping the company connect with IMR’s research team.
She said: “I mentioned the project to Patrick at Croom Medical and they were very interested in hearing more about the project. I also introduced him to the team at IMR who were preparing the application.
“After a number of conversations with the team in IMR and the wider Eureka application team, it was agreed that Croom Medical would be invited onto the application,” Ann added.
The proposal was submitted and approved at the Eureka level. Significant work was needed from both the company, IMR and a third partner, I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, to secure national funding for the programme.
I-Form is the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing. The centre has a particular focus on the application of digital technologies to materials processing.
EEN Ireland assisted the Irish consortium in preparing applications for national funding, as well as presenting both projects to a committee for funding, which was successful. Moreover, EEN Ireland also supervised the funded project during the course of the work.
The overall goal of the Eureka initiative was to achieve a change in the quality and yield of components produced by metal AM, while delivering enhanced cost competitiveness. For Croom Medical, the experience has been a phenomenal success.
Meanwhile, thousands of other Irish-based SMEs have similar positive tales to tell of their experiences of the supports facilitated by EEN Ireland, part of a network of 600 partner organisations across more than 60 countries in the EU and beyond, boasting 3,000 local experts offering invaluable advice to SMEs.
EEN helps its client companies become part of that international network, joining trade missions, attending trade shows and connecting with international business, technology or research partners.
EEN helps SMEs identify potential partners for R&D projects, bringing innovative ideas from concept to market, engaging with experts and speaking to its IP SME helpdesk experts in China, South East Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe. All across Ireland, SMEs have enjoyed great benefits by engaging with EEN’s range of business supports, many taking hugely successful steps into EU and global markets.
In Cork, many SMEs who have engaged with EEN’s services have been helped on their journey by Cork Chamber of Commerce.
Grace Kelleher, international manager and EEN advisor, Cork Chamber of Commerce, said: “In Ireland, the Enterprise Europe Network is represented by a consortium of experienced and well-connected partners.
“Together, we work to help Irish SMEs excel in their growth and expansion internationally. The consortium partners include Enterprise Ireland, Cork Chamber, Dublin Chamber, and the Local Enterprise Offices.
“Our extensive reach within Ireland, combined with our international network, plays a critical role in supporting the global growth of Irish SMEs.”
EEN’s special advisors help businesses build their sustainability and resilience, to benchmark their digitalisation transition and to prepare their business for growth.
EEN also offers advice on regulations and access to EU funding, with insights into CE markings, consumer and trading online, as well as Horizon Europe projects, help with identifying EU funding and much more.
For more insights on Enterprise Europe Network Ireland’s services, visit een-ireland.ie
