IMI’s Debut at MD&M West
MD&M West highlighted groundbreaking advancements shaping the future of manufacturing. This year, IMI contributed by showcasing its capabilities in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) and the medical and healthcare markets.
(Also read: IMI’s Key Capabilities in the Medical Industry)
Exhibitors introduced products with ready-to-use configurations, such as barcode readers with intuitive interfaces. Precision engineering took center stage with high-performance medical electronics and devices, such as the miniature Non-Driven Nut (NDN slide) for high-speed operations. Seamless manufacturing integration improved quality assurance, driving the shift toward bespoke automation.
Robotic innovations improved operational efficiency, while new procurement strategies simplified supply chain management and decision-making, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape.
About MD&M West
For 40 years, MD&M West has been a hub for manufacturing excellence, evolving alongside the industry's innovations. Launched in 1985 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, the event began as a small gathering of local manufacturers supplying cutting-edge components and materials. As demand grew, it moved to the Anaheim Convention Center, expanding to include a broader range of manufacturing technologies and industries.
By the 2000s, MD&M West had gained international recognition, attracting industry leaders worldwide. Under Informa Markets' management since 2018, the expo has embraced digital advancements and interactive experiences, keeping pace with the shift toward sustainability and automation. Today, it stands as one of the most influential trade shows in the industry, showcasing the next era of manufacturing.
(Also read: 15 Best Innovations at CES 2025)
IMI’s first showcase at MD&M West
IMI’s participation in the MD&M West trade show proved to be a significant opportunity to showcase its expertise and services in EMS. With thousands of professionals in attendance, the exhibition served as an excellent marketing avenue to enhance IMI’s brand awareness.
In terms of industry presence, the exhibition featured approximately 25 EMS providers, alongside an even larger number of plastic injection molding companies. Prominent players such as Plexus, Sanmina, and Benchmark were among the key exhibitors, while numerous smaller Tier-3 manufacturers with a focus on medical applications were also in attendance. With a total of 1,715 exhibitors, the event presented a diverse array of companies specializing in springs, glassware, rubber, metal stamping, software development, design services, testing, and raw materials.
IMI was proud to be part of such a prestigious international event, engaging with top firms and showcasing its capabilities on a global stage. The opportunity to connect with potential partners and clients from diverse sectors reinforced IMI’s commitment to innovation and excellence in electronics manufacturing. Encouraged by the positive response, the company looks forward to future collaborations and continued participation in events of this scale.
Top 10 innovations from MD&M West
MD&M West showcased a dynamic array of cutting-edge advancements, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in medical technology and manufacturing. Here are the top 10 advancements that stood out at the event.
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Custom wire solutions
Ulbrich Specialty Wire Products demonstrated its expertise in reprocessing metals into specialty strips using stainless steel, titanium alloys, and nickel. The products can achieve tighter tolerances, producing complex near-net shapes and ultra-fine wires for advanced medical applications—all manufactured in a contaminant-free facility in South Carolina.
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AI-powered sourcing solutions
Supply chain management is being transformed by CADDi’s AI-driven sourcing processes, which analyze supplier data, costs, and quality metrics to identify the best options. The system automates pricing analysis, integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and accelerates procurement while improving efficiency for design and engineering teams.
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Nitinol availability
Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy, is vital for medical stents and guidewires due to its superelasticity and shape memory. However, sourcing is challenging due to complex production. ATI and Confluent’s partnership improves availability, reducing lead times for tubing, wire, and prototypes. Confluent focuses on production while ATI advances R&D, ensuring supply reliability.
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Barcode scanning tech
Cognex’s DataMan 290 revolutionizes barcode scanning with a web-based interface, eliminating software installation. Users can easily configure it through web pages, streamlining setup. While traditional tools remain, this plug-and-play solution enhances efficiency and usability, enabling seamless barcode reading with minimal effort. The focus is on simplicity and quick deployment.
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Next-generation polymer tubing
Filmcast polyimide tubing has been essential in medical devices due to its strength and insulation properties, especially in catheters. However, the Environmental Protection Agency flagged NMP, a common solvent in its production, as a health risk. To address this, Confluent developed an NMP-free alternative, meeting safety standards.
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Cutting-edge robotics
HIWIN showcased its latest harmonic drive systems and strain wave bearings for precise robotic movement. The company highlighted its high-quality manufacturing, including in-house steel production for durability and cost control. New product introductions included upgraded strain wave gears, cross roller bearings, and the E2 drive with Ethernet IP.
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Compact automation system
Schneeberger launched a compact automation slide, emphasizing miniaturization for high-speed precision. It is designed for medical engineering, optics, and photonics. Made from stainless steel with various coatings, it supports high acceleration and versatility. Though ideal for medical use, it suits diverse industries requiring precise, space-saving solutions.
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Electrospun material innovations
Confluent partnered with The Electrospinning Company to showcase innovations in suture-less medical device coverings. Their CALADRIX Hybrid Textiles offer benefits for cardiovascular, neurovascular, orthopedic, and general surgery. Electrospinning onto a Nitinol stent improves tissue integration, strength, flexibility, and permeability while reducing costs, fractures, leaks, and manufacturing challenges.
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Integrated production system
Pico MES introduced a streamlined approach to manufacturing integration, focusing on easy device connections and quality control. Their plug-and-play system removes complex coding, streamlining the process. It also supports real-time feedback, linking CAD designs to shop floor data. Operators can report issues instantly, improving assembly precision and enhancing collaboration.
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Adaptive dosing mechanism
A precise liquid system from Burkert ensures accurate dosing down to half a microliter per stroke. Using electronic controls and a pressure sensor, it fine-tunes air pressure for consistency. Designed for medical devices, it offers non-contact dispensing, real-time feedback, and easy setup, making it reliable for dosing applications.
MD&M West 2025 reinforced its status as a premier event for manufacturing innovation, bringing together top industry players and groundbreaking technology. IMI is looking forward to more events like this, fostering collaboration and driving future advancements.
As one of the Top 20 EMS companies in the world, IMI has over 40 years of experience in providing electronics manufacturing and technology solutions.
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