PDR and Renishaw have signed a major new research collaboration that aims to help ensure the UK is at the forefront of healthcare innovation (MediWales, 2017).

The collaboration seeks to pioneer new design methods that will bring engineering levels of precision to complex surgical procedures.

Renishaw’s expertise in technologies such as 3D printing in metal, which is used to create highly accurate custom implants and devices, will be harnessed through PDR’s experience in research and design of the devices.

PDR has worked with leading NHS specialists across the world since 1998 and this industry collaboration marks a major step forward in making pioneering new approaches more widely available.

Dr Dominic Eggbeer, PDR’s Head of Surgical and Prosthetic Design, said “The close relationship PDR has with industry and the NHS will ensure new design, and engineering-led methods will be developed to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. Renishaw is at the forefront of healthcare innovation and this exciting formal collaboration is a result of long-term research work with its team.”

Bryan Austin, Director and General Manager of Renishaw’s medical dental products division, said “This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity for Renishaw and PDR to further exploit their respective expertise in metal 3D printing and design of custom medical devices with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Having already collaborated on the InnovateUK and EPSRC funded ADEPT project, it became obvious that by combining the strengths of our two organisations, an opportunity existed to make a positive impact on the delivery of custom medical devices.”

Professor Andrew Walters, Director of Research at PDR, said “Beginning this collaboration between Renishaw and PDR is an exciting development for us, formalising a long-standing relationship and driving us to achieve even greater things together.”