Mecuris creates a digital platform for 3D printing prostheses & orthoses

3D printing is increasingly used in the medical field, whether for research work, to create fabrics using bio-printing technology or to design custom prostheses and orthotics. Some players in the sector are developing innovative solutions using 3D technologies, allowing patients to access care adapted to their needs more easily and quickly. That’s exactly what the German company Mecuris is looking for with its digital platform. With the help of 3D printing, it offers its clients orthoses and custom-made prostheses, perfectly adapted to their morphology and that can be manufactured much more quickly. We wanted to know more about the process of creating these medical devices and therefore met the Mecuris team.

3DN: Can you tell us a bit more about Mecuris and its beginnings?

Mecuris was created in 2016. The company that currently has no more than 20 employees is a spin-off from the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. The six founders and the rest of the team are interdisciplinary physicists, medical technicians, engineers, production technicians, computer scientists, economists and designers. Together, we are enabling national and international medical equipment companies to enter the digital age. To do this, the team of experts provides orthopaedic mechanics with a digital procurement platform (Mecuris Solution Platform) with 3D products that adapt precisely to customers. All the necessary parts can be directly ordered. About 100 medical supply stores in more than 30 countries on 6 continents are already registered on this digital platform. This one has existed since May only. In Germany, first deliveries have been made since mid-2016.

The Mecuris team

3DN: What can be done with additive manufacturing in your sector of activity that could not be achieved with traditional methods?

3D printing has several advantages compared to traditional manufacturing processes. In principle, it can be used more cost-effectively by an orthopaedic technician. Added to this are delivery times: 3D printed parts can be created during the night. In addition, they can be personalised and certified CE, it is one of the biggest assets for the orthopaedic sector. 3D printing is a technology that allows each part of the individual prosthesis to be adapted to the needs of the user. This includes the creation of a custom shape, a specific functionality corresponding to the wearer but also a great freedom in the aesthetic design.