Selecting the right material from day one can make or break a modern medical device.
Join Cambridge Polymer Group for “Getting Material Selection Right the First Time” with industry leader Dr. Gavin Braithwaite on November 12, 2025, at 2:00pm EST.
Why Early Material Choices Matter
Medical device development today is a balancing act. Teams must juggle evolving regulations, rapid market shifts, and manufacturing constraints, all before the device ever leaves.
Relying solely on conventional specification sheets or historical precedent carries serious risks, especially as design iterations speed up and requirements become more complex. Dr. Braithwaite will use orthopedic implants as a historical lens to show how early material decisions impact long-term safety and performance.
Pressures Shaping Medical Device Design
Material selection isn’t just about picking what’s familiar. Teams must consider:
• New regulatory hurdles, such as PFAS restrictions in the EU.
• Market pressures, such as on-shoring or additive changes.
• Changing sterilization trends, including demand for alternatives to ethylene oxide.
• The impact of miniaturization on material integrity and performance.
• The novel challenges posed by degradable polymers, hydrogels, and bio-compatible formulations.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Insights from Cambridge Polymer Group’s consulting work highlight recurring pitfalls:
• Failing to involve material science experts early in development can lead to delays, recalls, and design reboots.
• Overlooking the value of early material vetting leaves smaller companies exposed to unforeseen costs.
• Horror stories abound of late-stage changes forcing teams to restart validation or compromise time-to-market.
Industry Voices: Best Practices for Selection
Drawing on industry best practices:
• Material selection must begin at the earliest stages, not after a prototype is built.
• Design teams must collaborate closely with regulatory, manufacturing, and materials science specialists.
• Consider a material’s regulatory status, biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and manufacturability together, not in isolation.
• Maintain flexibility; if forced to pivot late, engage cross-functional teams and expert partners to minimize risk.
Smart Strategies: Cambridge Polymer Group’s Approach
Cambridge Polymer Group works with OEMs of all sizes to:
• Anticipate and navigate regulatory and market changes.
• Advise on specialist materials for degradable, hydrogel, and combination devices.
• Streamline material vetting, ensuring projects stay on timeline and budget.
Register for the Live Event
Tap into Cambridge Polymer Group’s expertise and join Dr. Braithwaite for actionable guidance on November 12. Get ahead of the curve and learn how leaders in the industry approach “Getting Material Selection Right the First Time.”
Reserve your seat and be prepared to ask the questions that will get your device to market, fast, safe, and compliant.