SME To Present Conference On New Product Manufacturing For Medical Devices

Online, February 17, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Silicon Valley Chapter will present a one-day conference for design engineers, manufacturing engineers and other professionals involved in the product development process. The conference, "Medical Devices - New Tools and New Rules," runs on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. The seminar is held in conjunction with the Northern California Design-2-Part Show, March 21 & 22.

The seventh annual technical conference presented by SME along with IEEE-CPMT, and the ASQ Biomedical Chapter will explore the medical device industry with fresh perspectives on pioneering technologies, new product introduction, 3D printing, process validation, and more. Speakers, panelists, and sponsors from medical device and high-tech companies, as well as developers, rapid prototyping, and regulatory areas will be participating in the conference.

The event is for product development, design, quality, and manufacturing engineers/managers, as well as support personnel who are interested in new technology and methods. Public and professionals interested in advancing their knowledge of the "hot" medical device industry are also invited. Designed to maximize interaction and learning, the conference will also include a hands-on 3D printing demonstration. Attendees will also have time to tour the trade show where they can make important connections for materials, processes, prototyping, and manufacturing.

Program Highlights and Speakers
Pioneering Technologies in Medical Manufacturing
Experienced medical device product development and innovation experts will share their successes. This session will include a keynote on "Partnering to Streamline the Innovation to Product Process" and a panel discussion addressing aspects and challenges with innovative technologies.
- Dipankar Ganguly, VP R&D, Celestica (Keynote Presentation and Panelist)
- Christian Walton, Senior Director, Product Development, Triple Ring Technologies
- Vince Sullivan, VP Product Development, Stellartech Research Corporation
- Joseph Fjelstad, Founder, Verdant Electronics and Silicon Pipe

New Product Introduction Challenges and Opportunities
Learn helpful tips for improving design transfer from engineering to manufacturing for new medical devices, including insights about current best practices, unique opportunities, common pitfalls associated with medical devices, and what is needed to satisfy the FDA, as well as key factors to support a successful New Product Introduction.
- Rob Sestrick, Design Controls Manager, GE Medical
- Micah Bongberg, CEO, Annuvia
- Rick O'Connor, VP Incubation, Triple Ring Technologies
- Mike Keer, Founder and CEO, Product Realization Group

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Technologies with Hands-On Demonstration
Learn about new capabilities and advancements in rapid prototyping technology and "direct digital manufacturing" (DDM) moving into manufacturing. Includes panel discussion.
- Mark Brinkerhoff, Founder, Fusion Design, Inc.
- Greg Elfering, Director of Sales, 3D Systems
- Robert Coffron, 3D Printing Account Executive, GoEngineer

Process Validation and Controls
Gain insight into strategies for successful planning, execution, and monitoring of manufacturing process development, validation, and monitoring that fulfill business needs and meet regulatory objectives.
- Wayne H. Schrier, Founder and Owner, Coastside Biotech Consultant
- Jerome Jackson, VP R&D, Stellartech Research Corporation

The conference is open to SME members and non-members. For more information, or to register to attend, please visit http://www.sme-siliconvalley.org/conference.

In addition to the conference, attendees will be able to visit the co-located Northern California Design-2-Part Show, the largest show in the region to focus exclusively on contract manufacturing services. The 2012 show will have over 200 of the finest American contract manufacturing companies exhibiting their design-through-manufacturing services covering more than 300 product categories for the metals, plastics, rubber and electronics industries.

For more information about the Northern California Design-2-Part Show or to register for free show admission, visit www.D2P.com.

About the SME
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (www.sme.org) is the world's leading non-profit technical and professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development, SME promotes increased awareness of manufacturing and keeps manufacturing professionals up-to-date on leading trends and technologies. This event is sponsored by Silicon Valley Chapter #098 (www.sme-siliconvalley.org) and proceeds from this conference will go toward other educational activities which the Chapter hosts locally throughout the year.
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