Beyond the Print: Machining 3D-Printed Orthopedic Devices

3D printing technology is groundbreaking, but it’s only part of the equation. To deliver orthopedic devices that meet rigorous quality standards, machining plays a crucial role in transforming printed parts into finished products.

Tim Wilkerson explains the challenges and innovations behind machining additively manufactured parts. Machining a forged part is different from machining a 3D-printed part—it takes research, development, iterations, and process refinement to create a scalable system that ensures every part meets quality standards, not just one. Without building finishing into the process, companies create bottlenecks and limit scalability.

At Orchid, we’re continuously improving our processes to deliver consistent, high-quality finished devices—because printing is just the beginning.