Why It Matters
The showcase signals rapid adoption of advanced manufacturing and sustainability practices that will reshape MedTech supply chains and regulatory compliance. Companies that leverage these innovations gain a competitive edge in speed, cost, and product performance.
Key Takeaways
- •13,000+ attendees signal strong MedTech manufacturing interest
- •3D printing highlighted for next‑gen device production
- •New coatings and PTFE liners improve device biocompatibility
- •Integrated solutions and MES platforms boost operational efficiency
- •Sustainable materials emerging in medical packaging strategies
Pulse Analysis
MD&M West remains the premier gathering for MedTech manufacturers, drawing thousands of professionals who seek to benchmark emerging technologies against industry standards. This year’s event emphasized the convergence of digital transformation and smart manufacturing, with exhibitors demonstrating how data‑driven analytics, cloud‑based MES platforms, and AI‑enhanced design tools are accelerating product cycles. Attendees heard from leaders about integrating these solutions into existing workflows, reducing downtime, and meeting increasingly stringent quality regulations.
A recurring theme was the rise of advanced materials and additive manufacturing. Companies such as Mantle showcased 3D‑printing processes capable of producing complex, patient‑specific components, while BioInteractions and Junkosha introduced novel coating and PTFE liner technologies that enhance biocompatibility and durability. Covestro and Plastic Ingenuity highlighted sustainable material portfolios, reflecting growing demand for eco‑friendly packaging and reduced carbon footprints in device production. These innovations not only improve performance but also address regulatory pressures around material safety and environmental impact.
The strategic implications for the MedTech sector are profound. Integrated solutions like Trelleborg’s new facility in Costa Rica and Critical Manufacturing’s MES platform illustrate how firms are consolidating supply chains to achieve greater agility and cost efficiency. As manufacturers adopt these technologies, they can shorten time‑to‑market, lower production costs, and meet evolving patient and payer expectations. The momentum generated at MD&M West suggests that the next wave of medical device innovation will be defined by a blend of digital, material, and sustainability advancements, reshaping competitive dynamics across the industry.
MD&M West 2026 Recap
MD&M West took place from February 3‑5, 2026 in Anaheim, California, with over 1,700 exhibitors and an estimated 13,000+ attendees. I was on site at the event, talking to a range of companies about the latest developments in medical device manufacturing.
Over a series of 13 interviews, I spoke to engineers, executives and more about topics such as digital transformation, smart manufacturing, advanced materials, precision tooling & machining, precious metals, polymer processing and speciality plastics.
BioInteractions Highlights Assist Coating for Medical Devices
BioInteractions Commercial Director Arjun Luthra speaks about the company’s portfolio of coatings, particularly its Assist product, which it highlighted at the show.
Mantle’s Role in Next‑Generation Medical Devices
Ryan de Leuze and Mike Skaja of Mantle talk about the use of the company’s 3D‑printing technology in the manufacture of medical devices, and the role it is playing in the next generation of devices.
HiArc Launches First Commercial Product During MD&M West Debut
HiArc Vice President of Engineering and Innovation Tim Patno speaks about the launch of the company’s first commercial product and its debut at the show.
Behind LaserLinc’s Brand Evolution
LaserLinc CEO & Co‑Founder Jeff Kohler discusses the company’s recent brand refresh and the evolution of the company.
Integrated Solutions, Emerging Trends, and the Importance of People with Trelleborg
Kevin Ehlert, Business Unit President, Medical Device Solutions Americas at Trelleborg speaks about the company’s Integrated Solutions Program, the new facility in Costa Rica, and emerging trends in MedTech manufacturing.
MGS “reimagines” Autoinjectors with the A.i.r Platform
Bob Bordignon and Martin Høier Thomsen from MGS discuss the company’s new A.i.r. “Auto‑Injector Reimagined” platform.
Junkosha Launches Expanded PTFE Liner Portfolio
Yohei Washiyama, PTFE Liner Product Specialist at Junkosha talks about the company’s expanded PTFE liner portfolio.
Guill Tool Launches New Unicam Crosshead
Guill Tool’s Jacob Marcure discusses and demonstrates the company’s new Unicam Extrusion Crosshead.
Covestro Highlights “The Material Effect”
Emily Shaffer, Justin Spitzer, Nicolas Nordmann, and Kidd Wang of Covestro discuss a combination of materials science, process and application development as the company highlights “The Material Effect”.
Tanaka’s Role in Using Precious Metals for Medical Devices
Kunihiro Shima, Tanaka Head Manager of R&D speaks about the company’s precious‑metal materials for medical devices.
Emerging Technologies in MedTech with Ensera
Michael Halleck, Senior Director of Electronic and Software Engineering at Ensera discusses emerging technologies in MedTech and how they can be responsibly adopted.
New Materials & Sustainability with Plastic Ingenuity
Sarah Webber, Technical Sales Engineer at Plastic Ingenuity talks about the company’s new PuraForm portfolio of materials, large‑format thermoformed solutions, and the healthcare‑packaging sustainability course.
Inside Critical Manufacturing’s MES Platform
Jeff Richardson, Industry Solution Director at Critical Manufacturing speaks about the company’s Manufacturing Operations Platform.
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