Case Studies
Medical Device Startup Iterated 12 Design Rounds in 6 Weeks Using SLA Prototyping
Startup developing a surgical instrument achieved unprecedented design iteration speed with in-house resin 3D printing.
📖 7 min read📅 February 19, 2024Dental & Medical
A medical device startup needed to rapidly iterate surgical instrument designs based on surgeon feedback.
The Challenge
Previous prototyping: service bureau at $800-$1,200 per iteration, 5-7 day turnaround. Needed 15-20 iterations.
The Solution
Purchased Formlabs Form 3B+ printer with biocompatible Surgical Guide resin. Weekly surgeon testing sessions.
Results
12 rounds in 6 weeks (vs projected 6-9 months). $14,400 saved. FDA submission 4 months earlier.
Key Takeaways
- ✓12 iterations in 6 weeks vs 6-9 months
- ✓$14,400 saved
- ✓4 months earlier FDA submission
- ✓Equipment ROI in first 6 prototypes
