Month: February 2025

A question students and a lot of  people interested in spelling words correctly often ask is how to tell the difference between stationary and stationery. These two words are not only pronounced almost the same, they are also only separated by one letter in the spelling. Since they are nearly identical in both pronunciation and spelling, they tend to confuse many people. This guide on stationery vs. stationary and which one to use can help. Below are some tips which can help you to tell them apart easier.

 

 

Stationery Definition:

 

Before anything else, the first thing we must focus on is the definition for stationery. Stationery refers to writing material or writing paper. It is what people used in offices, school or anywhere else to do so. In most cases, stationery comes with with matching envelopes.

Stationeries is the plural form of stationery and it just means a lot of writing materials.

 

One of the best ways or a great trick for remembering the difference between stationery vs. stationary is the letter ‘e’ in the former.

 

Stationery – has an ‘e’ in its spelling. Remember that ‘e’ and associate it with ENVELOPES. Once you keep in mind that the E in stationery is for envelopes or writing, then you can keep better track of the two. It will make it that much easier for you to tell them apart and spell them correctly as well.

 

You need to read these 289 Words Most Commonly Misspelled In English

 

Below are a few sample sentences of the word stationery being used properly.

 

The stationery used by the bank was very professional and even had matching envelopes.

 

Tom was given a reprimand at work for using office stationery for personal use.

 

We loved the great selection of school supplies in the new stationery store that just opened up in the mall.

 

Stationary Definition:

 

The meaning or definition of stationary is far easier to remember and use than stationery is. That’s because quite simply, stationary means to stay put or in fixed place. It can refer to a person, place or thing such as a child staying put or a workout bike in a gym. Stationary is an adjective though.

An interesting fact about the word stationary is that it has actually been around far longer than stationery.

 

A tip for remembering the difference between the two is the letter ‘a’ found on stationary. Think of the word ‘Stay’ or ‘Static’ and correlate them with the ‘a’ and stationary.

 

You may also be interested in There, Their, and They’re

 

Below are some examples of the word stationary being used in a sentence.

 

One of the things which made the job easier for the crew was that the object was stationary.

 

Stationary bicycles are great for working out, but they can be boring since you don’t really go anywhere.

 

The lady became angry with her two kids who kept moving and she told them to remain stationary until she was done.

 

The stationary pressure from the wave system caused a calculation change due to the vibrations.

　　众所周知，WordPress是一款免费开源程序，也是目前使用最多的建站程序之一。那么，WordPress仅仅适用于博客搭建吗?接下来小编就关于这个问题为大家进行介绍。

　　目前在数以千计的WordPress主题、插件和扩展的帮助下，所有技能级别的用户都可以使用所需的功能构建他们自己的在线商店、投资组合、会员网站、专业页面等。通用灵活，可无限自定义，WordPress不再只是用于博客。

　　WordPress使在线发布成为可能

　　WordPress的创始人Matt Mullenweg和Mike Little说，WordPress早在2003年就作为博主的工具被开发出来，这是一种让每个人都可以在线发布的方式。这就是为什么WordPress仍然是免费的，它是一个开源软件平台，可以被任何全世界的WordPress社区中的人都可以修改和分享。

　　在随后的几年里，WordPress不仅受到了那些在功能齐全的内容管理系统中寻求灵活性和控制权的博主的欢迎，而且还受到了各种领域的企业家、创意人员和专业人员的欢迎，他们发现，基本的WordPress平台可以进行调整，以满足许多不同类型网站的需求，而这些平台也可以适应不同类型网站的需求。这是因为三个核心的WordPress(即元素源代码、主题和插件)可以被修改、混合和匹配，以创建独特的、高度自定义的网站，即使是在网站开发方面没有经验的用户也是如此。

　　WordPress不仅仅拥有适用于博客的工具

　　许多网站所有者确实在博客帖子中使用WordPress，而WordPress作为博客工具的起源在其内容编辑器中就很清楚了，它的目标是创建文本。有了一个干净、最小的文本框，它同时具有视觉和HTML格式，以满足新用户和经验丰富的开发人员的需要，内容编辑器是充实WordPress基本结构的关键，其中包含完整的页面、博客帖子和其他元素。基本的WordPress内容编辑器以其文本格式化工具反映其作为博客工具的起源，但它也提供了添加图像和嵌入视频的选项。

　　内容编辑器可以通过插件进行扩展，这些插件可以添加各种其他内容管理工具，用于进一步自定义选项，如通过幻灯片演示和图库进行展示的可视化元素。随着WordPress向更广泛的功能发展，诸如插件Elementor和新的基于块的编辑器Gutenberg之类的工具允许用户采取更直观的方法来创建内容。

　　WordPress代码提供了结构

　　基本的WordPress“包”始终是免费的，它可以从WordPress.org下载，并安装在任何网站上。它由一组定义WordPress站点核心功能的HTML文件组成，其中包括内容编辑器——创建站点帖子和页面的基本工具。

　　但是，在所有形式中，WordPress仍然是一个开源软件，这意味着单个WordPress用户可以根据自己的站点需要自由地修改它，或者与其他用户分享这些修改。有经验的网络开发人员可以直接使用源代码通过不同的自定义选项添加特性或更改站点的外观，并且新用户可以使用WordPress主题和插件提供的预设自定义特性来获得他们想要的外观。

　　自定义外观的WordPress主题

　　WordPress源代码建立了站点的结构和基本功能，但是其外观是由选择的主题决定的，并且有数以千计的WordPress免费和高级主题可供选择。许多可以从官方的WordPress主题目录中获得，但更多的可以从全球各地的WordPress开发人员那里购买或免费下载。

　　WordPress主题允许用户在许多不同的方向上扩展站点的功能，主题设计用于博客、电子商务、创意投资组合等等。新用户可以通过站点管理仪表板上的设置自定义主题的预置，而更有经验的开发人员可以直接对其样式表和脚本进行更改。

　　插件和扩展添加更多功能

　　插件是WordPress博客平台的第三个基本元素，并且可以安装在任何WordPress站点中，以添加特定的功能，这些功能将WordPress的基本安装转变为在线商店、图库、登陆页面或任何其他类型的商业或专业站点。

　　插件允许WordPress用户添加联系人表单、募集资金、创建社交网络、显示他们的社交媒体，以及建立在线杂志。例如，像WooCommerce这样的电子商务插件可以将一个完整的在线商店添加到WordPress站点上。图库插件允许摄影师、艺术家和其他创意人员展示他们的作品。此外，各种面向业务的插件还为小型和大型公司添加了诸如统计、数据库管理等功能。

　　插件可以从官方插件目录直接安装到您的WordPress主题中，也可以单独从开发者和资产市场购买，然后上传到您的WordPress安装。插件可以通过其设置选项进行自定义，而高级插件通常提供用户支持、教程和其他特性。

　　插件可以从官方插件目录直接安装到WordPress主题中，或者可以从开发人员和资产市场单独购买，然后上传到WordPress安装。插件可以通过它们的设置选项进行自定义，并且高级插件通常提供用户支持、教程和其他特性。

　　许多插件还带有扩展的选项：提供了更多功能的插件。与扩展结合的插件允许用户自定义更多的站点，从而可以根据不同的目的从基本的WordPress安装中创建几乎任何类型的站点。随着数字世界的发展，新的插件不断开发出来，为自定义WordPress站点添加更多的选项。

　　所以说WordPress不仅仅适用于博客搭建，所有网站都是可以基于WordPress源代码进行构建的。

分类：新闻资讯

标签：WordPress, 最新动态

Found naturally in green tea, the commercial grade Phenoxyethanol is synthetically produced in a laboratory creating what’s termed a “nature identical”. 

Introduced in the 1950s, it has had a long history of safe use as a cosmetic preservative. In recent years, the use of phenoxye­thanol has expanded due to its low sensitization potential and global approval.

Chemically known as a glycol ether which means it is a solvent, Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. You probably have a cabinet full of products containing this ingredient in your home, whether you know it or not. It’s also used as an anti-bacterial in detergents and as a stabilizer in perfumes.

You probably have a cabinet full of products containing Phenoxyethanol in your home.

Phenoxyethanol doesn’t react with other ingredients, air or light; this kind of stability makes it an especially effective preservative.

You find it being used in products such as:

• Lotions,
• Shampoo and conditioner,
• Skincare,
• Perfumes

However more recently it is also being used to manufacture antibacterial hand soaps that are being sold to local department stores.

You may have heard of concerned around this ingredient because there’s quite a bit of controversy about its safety, especially online. Almost all of the studies that have found significant negative health impacts are based on full-strength or high-dose exposures. Undiluted Phenoxyethanol, is never used in skincare or cosmetics, in reality exposures are quite small. Hence why it’s approved at levels up to 1%. It’s all about the final formulation.

In the previous 12 months, Redox has sold 184,800 kg of Phenoxyethanol into the USA and 11,600 kg into Australia.

If you’d like to know more, please contact one of our industry specialists today.

Like many curly-haired girls, I struggle to help my strands maintain optimal hydration levels. My hair seems to soak up any conditioner I use, quickly turning coarse and straw-like at the drop of a hat. But when I tried switching to heavier products, I found my curl pattern was disrupted, leaving my strands looking greasy and weighed down. What’s a curly girl to do?

The answer came when I discovered that one of my favorite clean beauty brands launched a new line specifically targeting hydration. Formulated for parched, dry hair, I hoped it would be the solution to my dry hair woes. I gave it a shot and I’m so glad I did! Here’s what I experienced on my hydration journey and how the HYDR-8 Collection nourish hair from root to tip.

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HYDR-8 Weightless Repair Oil

Why I Chose HYDR-8

I was familiar with VEGAMOUR’s phyto-active-packed approach to haircare already, so I wasn’t surprised to learn that all the HYDR-8 products I stocked up on were absolutely packed with the good stuff I knew my hair needed to thrive. 

As someone who takes my hair health seriously, it’s super important that I use hair products specifically designed to nourish my hair type. I want products that contain high doses of powerful vegan phyto-actives and other plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients designed to help my strands thrive. 

Powered by VEGAMOUR’s signature keratin alternative Karmatin, my new wash day products also contain nourishing marula and moringa seed oil, hydrating murumuru seed butter, moisturizing aloe vera and scalp-supporting magnolia bark extract. I was excited to see the effects that these active ingredients would have on my parched strands.

But what was missing from my HYDR-8 routine was almost as important as the powerful ingredients it contained. Like all VEGAMOUR products, the HYDR-8 line is free of the silicones and sulfates my hair absolutely hates. I knew all too well the danger of drugstore brands that promised ultimate curl-boosting power but in reality, only weighted down my strands, so it was nice knowing my hair was in good hands.

More than that, I was super excited to find a product that targeted my specific hair woes while adhering to my values. I’m passionate about using products that support my ethics and as a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand, VEGAMOUR was a choice I could feel good about.

With so many benefits, I was excited to see if HYDR-8 was as good for my hair as it seemed on paper.

My Wash Day Experience

I wanted to use my new HYDR-8 powers to the max, so I decided to order the complete HYDR-8 Essentials Kit. It comes with the Hydrate and Repair Shampoo, Hydrate and Repair Conditioner and a Deep Moisture Repair Mask. 

I was super excited to see the kit when it arrived. There’s something so fun about getting such well-packaged beauty products in the mail. As I opened the box and examined the matte, dark pink products with their elegant gold lettering, I felt like I was in for a treat. I couldn’t wait to get my wash day started!

According to VEGAMOUR, the kit offered a ton of intriguing key benefits. The brand claims this collection can reduce frizz for up to 72 hours, which was big news for someone whose hair has the unfortunate tendency to turn into a floofy cloud if I so much as think about humidity.

It also claims to boost hydration up to 15 times its previous levels and give you strands that are up to three times stronger than they were before — both after just a single use! It all sounded too good to be true, but I figured it was worth a shot.

Following the directions on the bottle, I started with my HYDR-8 Hydrate & Repair Shampoo. The first thing I noticed was how nice it smelled. It was floral and complex, almost like a really nice perfume. The formula felt creamy as I took a quarter-sized amount into my palm and lathered it onto my wet strands, starting at the scalp and massaging it deeply into the full length of my strands. It felt weird to use such a small amount, but I was surprised at how far the formula stretched. My hair felt clean but not dried out, like it often does with drugstore shampoos.

Because my hair was super dried out, I decided to start out with the intensive HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask as my conditioner. I wrung the excess water from my curls and massaged a quarter-sized amount into the full length of my hair, noticing how silky and smooth my hair already felt from the shampoo alone. Leaving it in for two minutes while I sang a tune, I rinsed it out and let my strands air dry as per usual. 

The next time I showered, I tried out the HYDR-8 Hydrate and Repair Conditioner. Designed for daily use, it was a little lighter than the mask but had that same creamy, almost mousse-like texture. It felt super luxurious going on and seemed to absorb quickly into my strands. I left it for two minutes before rinsing it out and going about my day! 

Related Reading: A Curly Girl’s Review of VEGAMOUR GRO Shampoo & Conditioner

My HYDR-8 Results 

VEGAMOUR claims that HYDR-8 can boost hydration levels after just one wash. It seemed too good to be true, but after my first shampoo and mask session I definitely noticed a measurable difference in my hair’s moisture levels.

Usually, when I wash my hair, my strands stay glossy and moisturized for about half a day at most. Then they soak up the conditioning products and I’m faced with the dreaded frizz or forced to spend way too much time wrestling with mousses, creams and styling products.

With HYDR-8, I didn’t have to worry about re-upping my conditioner for three days. During that time my hair stayed glossy and controlled. I noticed that it felt much softer and silkier to the touch, with none of the coarse, wiry texture it often has after a few days post-wash. I didn’t have any frizz at all and my hair was soft and smooth.

While my strands were nourished and relaxed, my HYDR-8 routine didn’t rob them of any of their curl power. My curls stayed intact and actually looked more defined than they’d been before — all without the additional use of styling gels or creams. It felt like I had found the easiest life hack ever for soft, bouncy curls — and all it took was replacing the products in my shower.

And the best part? My strands smelled amazing. That floral aroma lingered and friends kept asking me about the new perfume I was wearing. It felt like a total glow-up for me and my strands — like a spa day in a bottle.

My Final Thoughts

After trying it out for myself, I definitely recommend the HYDR-8 line to my fellow curly girls! If you’re looking for a deeply nourishing routine that supports hydration while keeping your curls bouncy and full, this is the formula you’ve been searching for. I’ve found my hydration holy grail — and I just know you’ll love it as much as I do!

More From VEGAMOUR

• Shop: HYDR-8 Collection for Dry & Damaged Hair
• What You Need to Know About Drying Curly Hair
• Your Ultimate Guide to Curl Types

Author

Emily Beyda

Author

Emily Beyda

Emily Beyda is a novelist, journalist and translator whose work has appeared in The Austin Chronicle, The Believer, Refinery29 and more. A graduate of New York University and Texas State MFA program in fiction, she is the author of two books: the novel "The Body Double" and "Suspended Whispers", a book of poetry in translation by Iranian poet Roja Chamankar. She's also the founder of The Coop Workshop, a community driven creative space.

SOLT BLUE RASPBERRIES NIC SALT E-LIQUID

SOLT Blue Raspberry Nic Salt refreshes your vaping palate with an energetic blend of ripe succulent blueberries with a fresh floral tone of raspberries on the exhale.
Explore through the complete range of Vape Gold’s vaping products, including their world-renowned Gold Bar disposable kit or prefilled Reload pod kit in their flavour-packed grandeur. 

Specifications

• Flavours: Blueberry, Raspberry
• Nicotine Type: Nicotine Salt
• Bottle Size: 10ml
• Nicotine Strength: 10mg & 20mg
• VG/PG Ratio: 50/50
• Vaping Style: MTL
• Easy Fill Nozzle
• Childproof Cap

SOLT Nic Salt e-liquids are conveniently packaged in 10ml bottles, providing vapers with a nic-salt alternative to single-use disposable vape in a cost-effective refillable e-liquid. 

With 10mg and 20mg nicotine salt strengths available, you can quickly satisfy your cravings. Using nicotine salts provides a smoother throat hit, enhancing your overall vaping experience.

The SOLT range of eighteen flavours offers perfectly recreated fruity, dessert, and tobacco inspirations. These nicotine salts are crafted for the most adventurous palates and offer vapers a budget-friendly yet luxuriant experience. 

Expertly crafted in a 50/50 VG/PG balance, SOLT’s nic salt e-liquids are ideally used for mouth-to-lung vaping with Vape Starter Kits and Pod Vape Kits. 

Are you new and trying out vaping for the first time? You should check out our beginners’ guide, where we simplify vaping to its fundamentals and explain the benefits of switching to your first vape kit.

Why Buy Me? 

• Upholstered with a rich tweed outer sidewall, combined with contrasting chenille lining
• Faux leather centre patch
• One-piece construction providing greater support and enhanced durability during washing
• Non-slip base
• Machine washable

Description

The Scruffs® Windsor collection is themed around two timeless colourways, in keeping with home decor trends. The beds are upholstered with a rich tweed outer sidewall, combined with contrasting chenille lining. A faux leather centre patch with embroidered Scruffs logo and faux leather piping complete the beds detailing. Each bed has a non-slip base.

The box dog bed is made using a one-piece construction providing greater support and enhanced durability during washing.

This is available in multiple sizes and colours.

Material

• Faux Tweed: 100% polyester
• Corduroy: 90% polyester
• 10% polyamide
• Faux Leather: PU
• Oxford Base: 100% polyester
• Fill: 100% recycled polyester

Washing Instructions

• Machine Washable: The whole bed is Machine Washable at 30 degrees. However, this will depend on the size of the bed, larger beds may need a larger drum.
• Do not bleach or tumble dry.

Size Information

• Small (50 x 40cm /19.5″ x 16″)
• Medium (60 x 50cm / 24″ x 19.5″)
• Large (75 x 60cm / 29.5″ x 24″)
• X-Large (90 x 70cm / 36″ x 27.5″)

 

Before ordering please ensure your chosen size is right for your dog. For guidance please see our Size Guide.

Please note: The images should not be used as a specific size representation, please make sure to refer to the size and measurement details to determine which size is suitable for your pet.

 

Time to read: 9 min

Globally, the medical device industry has a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% and is expected to reach sales of USD $1.025T by 2032. Medical device companies that streamline and scale production can meet growing demand while maintaining quality. Innovative technologies can help, but there are proven strategies that successful companies pursue.

This article describes these strategies and the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, robotics, and rapid prototyping in medical manufacturing. You’ll also find tips, trends, and some advice about picking the right partner. Keep reading to learn more.

Streamlining vs. Scaling in Medical Production

Medical device companies that successfully streamline and scale production can control costs, optimize resources, produce units more efficiently, and introduce and iterate products more quickly than competitors. Streamlining and scaling are related concepts, but they’re not exactly the same.

Streamling

Streamlining is the process of simplifying or optimizing production workflows to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve productivity. As part of this process, it’s important to implement quality control measures that identify and address defects early in the production process. Otherwise, rework and scrap can reduce your profitability.

Scaling

Scaling refers to how companies rapidly increase (or decrease) production in response to changing market demand. In the medical industry, scaling requires the design and implementation of systems and processes that can be adjusted without compromising quality. By streamlining production workflows, it’s easier to make these changes.

Medical Manufacturing Challenges

For medical device companies, there are two major challenges to consider during scale-up. 

• Regulatory requirements
• Maintaining quality across higher volumes

The following sections explain.

Regulatory Requirements

The main challenge in scaling medical production is ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining quality. Successful medical device companies navigate these complex regulatory frameworks while optimizing manufacturing and operations.

Regulatory requirements can be demanding and diverse. For example, a company that wants to sell its medical device in the United States must meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. In the European Union, CE marking is required instead. The CE in CE marking stands for “Conformité Européenne,” which is French for “European conformity.”

Both the FDA and the EU’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR) divide medical devices into three numbered classes. Yet there are differences. For example, the EU MDR further divides Class II medical devices into medium-risk (Class IIa) and high-risk (Class IIb) devices. 

Managing Large-Scale Operations

As demand increases, medical device companies must ensure they can produce more products while maintaining the required level of quality. Variations in materials and processes, supply chain issues, and workforce challenges can all increase with expanded production.

High-volume manufacturing also generates large amounts of data, and managing and analyzing this information is essential for identifying and addressing quality issues. Inspecting and testing every product in a high-volume run may be impractical, but sampling could miss issues with untested units.

Additional Challenges

Depending on the manufacturing partner, medical device companies could face additional challenges.

• Low-volume manufacturers that can support you during product launch may not be able to grow with you as demand increases. 
• High-volume manufacturers may not want to work with you while initial demand for your product is low.
• Domestic manufacturers are sometimes more expensive, and the part volumes you need may require higher cost, specifications-grade materials. 
• Offshore manufacturers may cost less, but offshoring can raise concerns about quality, a lack of visibility, increased shipping costs, and tariff concerns.

Overcoming these challenges takes a combination of innovative technologies and strategies. It also helps to partner with Fictiv because we simplify sourcing and can support you from the back of the napkin sketch through prototyping, and from low-volume to high-volume production.

Customer Case Study: TransMed7

Transmed7 is a medical device company that needed a faster and more cost-efficient way to iterate its product designs. The Portola Valley, California firm also wanted a partner who could seamlessly scale to meet customer demand. Transmed7 leveraged Fictiv’s 3D Printing, CNC Machining, and Injection Molding capabilities. 

As Gene Vetter, Co-Founder & CEO of TransMed7 said, “Fictiv enabled us to save millions of dollars in infrastructure, people, and time costs when compared to traditional development and supply chain strategies. Moreover, Fictiv helped Transmed save eight years of product development time on the company’s first two devices.  

Innovative Technologies for Streamlining and Scaling

Medical companies like Transmed7 can face multiple challenges, but innovative technologies can help to streamline and scale production. Examples include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Machine learning 
• Automation 
• Robotics
• Rapid prototyping

The following sections explain.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Data-Driven Insights

Today, medical companies are designing AI-powered diagnostic systems that can analyze patient data, detect patterns, and provide real-time insights. This enables faster, more accurate, and repeatable diagnoses, enhancing patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare costs. Adaptive machine learning algorithms help to improve diagnostic accuracy over time.

Yet AI and machine learning can also optimize medical manufacturing itself. By analyzing data and identifying patterns, medical manufacturers adjust processing parameters in real time. In addition, AI and machine learning support predictive maintenance for reduced downtime.

The table below describes some medical applications of AI and machine learning.

Automation and Robotics

Automation and robotics also help medical device companies streamline and scale manufacturing. By reducing or eliminating the need for manual intervention, automation minimizes the risk of human error. Automated systems also perform repetitive tasks with greater accuracy, ensuring consistent part quality regardless of production volume.

Today, automated injection molding is used to produce plastic medical parts. Insert-loading robots place inserts into the mold before injection, part removal robots extract finished parts from the mold, and secondary operation robots handle tasks such as trimming, assembly, and packaging. Automated conveyors transport parts and materials within the factory.

Automated CNC machining also supports greater production efficiency and higher part volumes. For example, robotic arms are used to load and unload metal workpieces. Automated tool changers switch CNC tools during operations without human intervention. Pallet systems, conveyors, and automated retrieval and storage systems (AS/RS) are also used.

Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping quickly fabricates a preliminary part from a three-dimensional (3D) design. Injection molding or CNC machining can be used, but 3D printing is usually associated with rapid prototyping instead. This form of additive manufacturing doesn’t require custom tooling such as injection molds, and 3D printing supports complex part geometries that are not achievable with traditional manufacturing methods like CNC machining.

With 3D printing, medical device designers support personalized healthcare for improved patient outcomes. For example, 3D printed dental products such as teeth aligners, crowns and bridges, and surgical guides. Biocompatible 3D printed materials are available, and designers have a choice of 3D printing processes.

Scaling can pose challenges, however. For medical products that aren’t patient-specific, medical device companies need a cost-effective way to mass-produce parts. There’s a crossover point at which injection molding or CNC machining becomes more cost-effective than 3D printing, and Fictiv can help you identify this quantity.

Strategies for Streamlining and Scaling Medical Production

Innovative technologies can support streamlining and scaling, but expanded medical production doesn’t end there. To be successful, medical device companies need to implement strategies that encompass quality management, supply chain management, and global market expansion.

Quality Management System (QMS)

A quality management system (QMS) documents the processes and procedures that a company must follow to achieve and maintain quality. In the medical industry, ISO 13485 is an international standard that outlines QMS requirements for the design, production, installation, servicing, and manufacturing of medical devices. 

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management provides a seamless flow of materials and components for production at any scale. Consider implementing the following strategies at your company.

• Embrace technology: Use software-based systems for inventory management, demand forecasting, and order processing. Automation and digitalization in supply chain processes can improve efficiency and reduce errors.
• Establish strategic partnerships: Choose reliable suppliers and logistics partners to ensure the smooth flow of materials and components. Build long-term relationships and maintain clear communication channels.
• Implement just-in-time inventory: Adopt just-in-time inventory practices to minimize inventory holding costs. This involves ordering materials and components in line with production schedules, reducing the need for excess inventory.
• Monitor and analyze data: Use data analytics tools to monitor key performance indicators and track supply chain performance. Look for ways to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions.
• Continuously improve processes: Review and optimize supply chain processes regularly. Implement lean manufacturing principles and encourage employee involvement in process improvement initiatives.

Global Market Expansion

Expansion into global markets is another obstacle that medical device companies face when scaling production. Understanding regulatory requirements, cultural differences, and market dynamics in different countries can help.

• Regulatory requirements: The standards that your medical device needs to meet vary by country and could change over time. Engage regulatory experts before and during product launch, as well as  throughout your product’s life cycle.
• Cultural differences: Avoid practices that may influence product use or induce risks and hazards. The interpretation of colors and symbols varies, and the type of professional who operates a device in one country may not be the same as in another.
• Market dynamics vary not only by size, but also in terms of ease of access and rate of adoption. Local partners can provide insights that help facilitate market expansion.
• Streamlining and scaling are possible, and several trends make it more important than ever.

Future Trends in Scalable Medical Production

The following trends are shaping the future of scalable medical production.

• Personalized Healthcare: The demand for personalized healthcare solutions is driving the development of custom medical devices. To meet demand, 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing technologies will grow in importance.
• Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): IoMT devices can automatically collect health metrics like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature from patients who aren’t in a healthcare facility.
• Advanced Drug Delivery Systems: New technologies will improve treatment efficacy, reduce side effects, and enhance patient compliance. Maintaining these systems will require consumables and service agreements.
• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: Minimizing waste generation, using recyclable materials, and optimizing energy consumption will become an increasingly important part of sustainability efforts.

By understanding these trends, medical device companies can stay ahead of the curve, meet changing market demands, and maintain quality.

Why Medical Device Manufacturers Choose Fictiv

From startups to Fortune 500 firms, Fictiv partners with medical companies that want to streamline and scale production to meet growing market demand. With help from our engineering experts, you can go from idea to iteration, and from validation testing to mass production and continuous improvement. Whether you’re starting from a back of the napkin sketch, a prototype, or low volume production, we can help you scale-up for success. 

Fictiv can also help you streamline your supply chain. Traditionally, scaling medical production meant dealing with multiple suppliers. That could be challenging if each supplier performed only certain processes and in certain quantities. There are unique challenges and opportunities during each stage of the product life cycle, but manufacturers who are locked into infrastructure, equipment, and geography have limitations. 

Fictiv simplifies sourcing by providing 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Injection Molding (including liquid silicone rubber, or LSR, injection molding) and more—all in the quantities that you need. Our digital manufacturing platform also lets you leverage a seamlessly and intelligently connected network of 250 manufacturing centers in four regions across the globe. 

You’ll get access to near-infinite capacity, capabilities, materials, and secondary processes – including assembly work. Managing your entire bill of materials (BOM) and bill of process (BOP) can be a real headache, but Fictiv’s supply chain is ready to support you throughout the entire product life cycle and deliver benefits at each stage.

Why settle for supply chain limitations when you get what you need at the right time and with the right capabilities for the best outcomes and a competitive advantage? Take the first step toward streamlining and scaling your manufacturing. Create your free Fictiv account today. 

We have interviewed our Head of Antibody, Scott Lewis, to learn more about Scott, his expertise, and his role at Biosynth.

Can you tell us about your educational background and how you moved into the biotechnology field?

I graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1995 with a degree in Biotechnology. At that time, only four universities in the United States offered this as a bachelor’s program, making it a unique and exciting field to pursue. The vast potential and numerous biotechnology applications intrigued me, motivating me to delve deeper into the subject.

I began my career at a small, private company that produced peptides and antibodies. In that role, I conducted various laboratory tests, learned project management, and gained extensive knowledge about the production processes and multiple applications of these reagents that help me to this day.

Can you share more about your role at Biosynth?

In 2004, I transitioned to Biosynth and overtook management of the nascent Custom Antibody Division. By emphasizing the importance of building strong customer relationships and investing the time to gain a deep understanding of their individual needs, I grew the business >50-fold and into the capacity for handling hundreds of ongoing projects at a time.

How has your role evolved during your time at Biosynth?

My responsibilities primarily began as project management and even lab work. Still, I have progressed to project design and overall leadership of our custom antibody development efforts worldwide over the years. As one of our go-to biologics experts, I coordinate any custom protein expression projects that come our way.

What do you specialize in?

I try to do everything I can to the full extent of my abilities, but antigen design is where I have likely distinguished myself. By being open-minded and always striving for improvement, I developed my methods for this that take into account several important factors that have proven to be relevant to success in producing quality antibodies for our customers. One client even described this as my “super-power”, which was particularly thrilling.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

Quite often, customers come to us when other companies struggle to produce what they need, so achieving success with challenging projects such as these can be deeply satisfying. Having scientific interactions with those working on subjects with the potential for a significant impact on society, like Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, is another thing that gives me a great sense of purpose. It is also very humbling to see the dedication and perseverance of researchers committed to their cause.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m thrilled to witness Biosynth’s evolution, both in terms of regional growth and overall capabilities. Leveraging our wider knowledge base will be an important facet of our expansion and continued delivery of innovative products and services to our customers.

What do you think are the key considerations when choosing a manufacturing partner to ensure successful outcomes of antibody development?

The ideal manufacturing partner will have the creativity to adapt to new situations, as each customer’s needs can be unique. Overall experience and a willingness to learn are also important to foster the ability to sort through the various options to arrive at what presents the best chances for success. 

Once you have gone through development and identified an antibody that works as you need, manufacturing it at a larger scale can be an entirely different process that is more dependent on the stability of the supply chain. Fortunately, this is one of our core tenets at Biosynth.

What are the biggest challenges when developing and manufacturing an antibody?

Once the preferred methods have been decided upon, developing an antibody typically follows a fairly set pattern. Still, things out of our control, like the variability of response and how reagents behave under different conditions, can undoubtedly present issues at times and influence success. 

Manufacturing an antibody usually involves moving into an animal-free system, such as recombinant expression, which uses entirely different methods and coordination amongst multiple partners.

What do you think are the most significant opportunities for applications with antibodies?

Antibodies have a wide variety of potential applications beyond their usage as informative reagents in the lab. Using these as drugs or drug-targeting agents holds the most potential for improving quality of life in the future.

This blog is part of a series; you can read our last blog with our Carbohydrate expert Chris Lawson, Ph.D.

Vesconite Bearings is ramping up its 5-axis machining capability in line with future demands for more complex machined parts made from its advanced engineered plastics.

The company already has a Haas VF 11 and a 6-m Marufuku machining center with a 5-axis head, and is currently investigating the purchase of specialist software that will allow it to produce even more complicated parts.

“We are ready to increase our 5-axis machining,” factory manager Robin Crabb says of the initiative that has training, staffing and technology implications.

Four staff members have already been familiarising themselves with 5-axis technology and have trained themselves in the use of the complex 5-axis machines that allow the cutting tool to move across the X, Y and Z linear axes and the workpiece to tilt and to rotate in any direction.

On purchase of additional specialist 5-axis software, selected staff will also undergo further training, with the intention that all staff will be fully familiar with 5-axis machine use and programming.

The decision on which computer-aided-design and -manufacturing software option to purchase is currently being considered by CEO Dr. Jean-Patrick Leger, as this software is regarded as vital for the success of the initiative to place emphasis on 5-axis machining.

“With the additional software, we will be able to undertake continuous cutting on 5 axes,” says Crabb.

“This will result in less machine downtime and reduced set-up times,” he notes of the software, which will allow the company to complete technical drawings and programme machines for uninterrupted manufacturing.

Additional 5-axis machining capability will permit Vesconite Bearings to take on challenging machining projects, including many difficult precision-machined custom wear parts, such as daggerboard casings for high-technology sailing boats that are used as an alternative to fixed keels on catamarans.

Vesconite Bearings has a factory floor space of 20,000 m2, and its factory includes polymer compounding, extrusion and molding shops in addition to its extensive machine shop, which includes 75 computer numerically controlled lathes and machining centers.

The company makes rods, machined plates and bushings as stock parts, as well as high-quality finished parts for the agriculture, railways, mining, pump, heavy transport, hydro, renewable, earthmoving and marine industries.

The polymer bushings and wear-materials manufacturer prides itself on fast production, turnaround and delivery, with an average global delivery time, using various courier companies with global experience, of three to seven working days.

Vesconite Bearings
www.vesconite.com