Additive manufacturing and 3D printing are becoming strategic drivers of innovation in orthopedic implant development. From patient-specific implants and porous structures that promote osseointegration to use of resorbable polymers and bioprinted scaffolds to supply chain resilience and faster product iteration, the technology is reshaping how implants are designed, validated and manufactured. This session explores where AM/3D printing is headed next, including advances in materials, automation, quality assurance and regulatory pathways, and what OEMs must consider to scale production responsibly. Industry experts will share real-world applications and discuss how the technology will influence cost structures, design freedom and competitive differentiation over the next decade.
Key Takeaways
1. Learn how leaders in the space are handling quality, repeatability and scalability of implants with AM.
2. Understand design and production advances shaping AM in orthopedics.
2. Gain insight into the materials, systems and players driving innovation in the space.
Trey Rodgers helps to implement orthopedic biomaterial technologies for the purpose of improving patient lives. He is a Research Principal Engineer at Zimmer Biomet in the Advanced Technologies group. He provides research, material, manufacturing, design, regulatory, and marketing support for varied business units. While he has supported platform technologies across a range of materials and applications, for the last 10 years he has been focused primarily on AM devices as a subject matter expert for Zimmer Biomet’s global additive manufacturing programs.
Alexander Henry has helped spine and orthopedic innovators unlock the clinical and commercial potential of additive manufacturing since 2017. Known for his ability to successfully guide teams as they navigate DFAM innovation into scalable, regulatory-ready production, he has supported disruptive implant launches across spine, extremities, and surgical instrumentation. Alexander currently leads medical strategic partnerships as Business Development Manager – Medical for AddUp FIVES, focusing on accelerating large scale commercial adoption of advanced AM technologies that improve implant performance, economics, and patient outcomes.
Jesse Unger is a R&D Engineering Leader with over a decade of experience in the medical device industry. He has led engineering teams at NuVasive, Surgalign, and ATEC Spine. He is an expert in the hardware development supporting spine surgical procedures and specializes in Titanium Additive Manufacturing, having architected the Modulus and IdentiTi II Interbody Systems.
Theo Arhio serves as Chief Operating Officer at Brinter, a medtech platform company developing the first-ever series of 3D bio-printed bio-synthetic implants. His role spans operating leadership, regulatory execution, commercialization planning, organizational design, and board- and investor-facing execution. Theo is an operating executive and builder with 20+ years of experience leading growth, transformation, and large-scale execution across global enterprises and venture-backed companies. His work has focused on building and scaling organizations, owning complex operating models, and translating strategy into execution in multinational and regulated environments.
