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Medical Device Prototype Hub

Overview

The Medical Device Prototype Hub, supported by Medtronic and Research Ireland, offers a comprehensive suite of services to support early-stage medical device innovation. The Hub provides both virtual and physical prototyping, enabling rapid design iteration through CAD modelling and simulation. Designed to provide world-class research infrastructure, the Hub combines state-of-the-art laboratory space with dedicated equipment across affiliated campus facilities.

The Hub aims to accelerate medical technology innovation, attract global talent in medical technologies, expand educational opportunities, and unlock new funding streams through strategic infrastructure investments. The Medical Device Prototype Hub is equipped with advanced infrastructure to support every stage of medical device development. Its capabilities include:

    • Additive Manufacturing: A full suite of SLA and FDM 3D printing systems
    • Non-Destructive Imaging: Nano- and micro-Computed Tomography (CT) imaging systems
    • Software Tools: Leading CAD platforms and image-based finite element analysis solutions

These resources are backed by leading technical expertise, ensuring innovators receive end-to-end support - from design consulting and prototyping to regulatory documentation and commercialisation planning. These resources enable innovators to progress technologies efficiently from concept development to commercial-ready prototypes, ensuring precision, regulatory readiness, and impact.

Medical Device Innovation Network

The Medical Device Innovation Network (MeDiNet) supports the Medical Device Prototype Hub. MeDiNet is a national research facility funded by Research Ireland, between University of Galway and the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. It aims to help researchers, clinicians, and companies design and test new medical devices more quickly, safely, and affordably.

Through advanced 3D printing, simulation technologies, and expert support, MeDiNet enables devices to be tested in lifelike conditions, helping reduce early animal testing and accelerate translation from concept to product. The network provides national access to the latest equipment and expertise, supporting innovation and strengthening Ireland’s position in medical technology.

Medical Device Prototype Hub Core Facility Equipment

Formlabs Form 3BL

  • Large-format resin 3D printer with Biomedical resin printing capabilities.
  • High fidelity prototyping using variety of engineering and biomedical resins (Biomed durable, Tough Grey 2000 resins)
  • Capable of printing biocompatible materials and large anatomical models with high precision.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K Ultra high-resolution resin printer

  • 22 µm XY resolution for extremely detailed miniatures and models
  • Used to print high fidelity compact prototypes for engineering applications. (Grey engineering resin)

Bambu Lab A1

  • Desktop Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer with Automatic Material Management System (AMS).
  • Multi-color multi-material printing, for the early state iterative prototyping. (PETG, PLA, PC).

Bambu Lab X1C

  • High speed, AI- assisted FDM printer with AMS.
  • High-performance engineering materials (ABS, TPU, PVA, ASA) available for FDM printing
  • Multi-color and multi-material printing capability using AMS.
  • Lidar calibration, advanced automation used for high-fidelity FDM printing.
  • Printing moulds for silicone and other materials which cure over time.

Bambu Lab H2D

  • Industrial-grade dual-extruder FDM printer for high performance engineering materials with AMS.
  • High-performance engineering materials (ABS, TPU, PVA, ASA) available for FDM printing
  • Precise control, repeatability and reliability for prototyping.
  • Quick turnaround for high tolerances and high-fidelity prototypes.

Zeiss Xradia 620 Versa Nano-CT Imaging system

  • High-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (Nano-CT) system designed for non-destructive 2D and 3D imaging.
  • Detailed analysis of anatomical structures, medical devices offering submicron voxel resolution and multi-scale imaging capabilities.
  • This infrastructure was acquired with the financial support of Research Ireland (formerly Science Foundation Ireland) under the Research Infrastructure Programme, Grant Number 21/RI/9658.

Scanco Micro-CT Imaging system

  • Compact, high-precision micro-computed tomography system optimized for non-destructive biomedical and materials research applications.
  • Micron-scale 3D imaging with adjustable energy levels and quantitative analysis tools for bone, tissue, and scaffold studies.
  • Used to evaluate microarchitecture, porosity, and internal geometry of medical devices, anatomical samples and biomedical prototype.

For more information, please contact pthub@universityofgalway.ie. 

 

Two logos, one for Medtronic on the left and one for Research Ireland, on the right.