The framework for the Medical Device Manufacturing Conference contains everything required to become an internationally renowned symposium for medical engineering. Firstly, Baden-Württemberg’s highly prominent metal and plastics manufacturing industry makes it one of the most important locations for the industry across Europe. Secondly, being held in parallel to Medtec Europe ensures that the most important industry players from throughout the world will be in attendance. The launch meeting will take place as a public symposium for the conference planned for 2018. Following this, the Conference Board will meet for the first time to discuss key issues to be covered at the conference and announce a call for papers.

Medical engineering regulations are tricky to apply

One of the symposium’s thematic blocks deals with the regulatory requirements for medical engineering products and devices as well as their consequences for manufacturing. These will be continually further developed at national, international and European level. Schneider explains: “Every country would like to be able to economize its healthcare system while at the same time increasing patient safety. Technological progress and political amendments therefore require that countries update requirements on an ongoing basis.” For manufacturers of medical products, these modifications cost time and money.

The symposium additionally sheds light on innovative, pioneering technologies within the industry. For example, 3D printing to manufacture personalized and customized implants could play an important role in this. In this context, experts are discussing how innovative manufacturing processes, for example hybrid processes combining 3D printing and machining, could be exploited within the medical engineering industry. Representatives from corporate and academic research will meet industry associations at the event. Roland Zengerle, Professor at the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg, and Faraj Abdelnour, an expert in medical engineering approvals at the French company AB Certification, will both speak at the event.

Information, program and registration: ubm.medteceurope.com/mdm-conference/

Dr. Urs Schneider, Head of Medical Engineering and Biotechnology at Fraunhofer IPA

“Being held in parallel to Medtec Europe in Stuttgart ensures that market leaders in medical engineering supply and manufacturing engineering will be in attendance. Furthermore, many industry-relevant companies active in the metal and plastics engineering sector are based in Baden-Württemberg.”

Anne Schumacher, Director of Medtec Europe at UBM

“Stuttgart has long been one of the most important locations across Europe for medical engineering. With Medtec Europe and an expert conference running in parallel to each other, we are delighted to be able to accentuate the exceptional position of this business location even more strongly than before. Leading experts such as Fraunhofer IPA and other industry representatives are the brains behind this format, which perfectly complements the trade fair’s programme.

Ulrich Kromer, CEO of Messe Stuttgart

“This new international medical conference strengthens Messe Stuttgart's competency in the field of medical events, which enjoy an illustrious reputation. With the region situated in close proximity to airports and freeways, our exceptional transport infrastructure guarantees quick journeys and short routes even for international event formats. Stuttgart’s cultural offerings are also of great importance. The discerning medical professional clientèle will no doubt enjoy networking in the regional capital in the evenings.