As the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2025 Annual Meeting concludes, innovation in spinal devices continues to accelerate. For OEMs developing life-enhancing technologies, choosing the right manufacturing partner is more critical than ever. From increasing regulatory scrutiny to shorter development timelines, your contract manufacturer should do more than just machine parts, they should advance your device’s journey from concept to commercialization with precision, reliability, and speed.
At Lowell, our decades of experience in complex implantable medical device manufacturing have shaped our understanding of what separates a capable supplier from a true partner. Here are five key areas to evaluate when selecting your next manufacturing collaborator.
Proven Precision in Complex Machining
In spinal and orthopedic implants, precision isn’t optional; it’s everything. Look for a manufacturer with advanced multi-axis machining and process validation capabilities that can consistently deliver tight tolerances and complex geometries.
Lowell’s facility includes an extensive range of Swiss-style and five-axis turn/mill systems, such as Tsugami and Nakamura-Tome multi-tasking centers, as well as automated Fanuc robotic EDM cells for around-the-clock production. These systems are designed to achieve submicron accuracy, essential when working with intricate components like cages, screws, and connectors.
By combining high-end machining with data-driven quality systems, Lowell helps OEMs meet demanding regulatory and performance requirements from prototype to full production.
End-to-End Process Understanding
An effective partner doesn’t just make what’s on the print, they help you refine it. A manufacturer that understands the full design-to-validation process can identify opportunities to simplify production, improve inspection efficiency, and reduce risk.
Lowell’s Design Intent Strategy formalizes communication between engineering and manufacturing teams, ensuring that every tolerance and GD&T callout supports the true functional intent of the device. This proactive approach reduces miscommunication, shortens iteration cycles, and ensures alignment from the start of development through final qualification.
Integrated Inspection and Metrology Capabilities
Verification is as important as production. Leading manufacturers invest in advanced inspection technologies and automation to ensure every part meets specifications, consistently and efficiently.
Lowell’s 1,200-square-foot metrology lab and 450-square-foot controlled-environment CMM room house some of the industry’s most advanced systems, including Hexagon, Leitz, and OGP multisensor dimensional metrology systems. Automated inspection workflows, supported by Lowell’s proprietary PQ-it™ macro for Minitab, streamline process validation and data analysis, reducing errors and accelerating qualification by up to 90%.
Commitment to Innovation and Automation
Manufacturing innovation isn’t just about speed, it’s about reliability and scalability. Automation plays a critical role in both.
From robotic EDM cells and in-machine automation to automated inspection systems and ultrasonic cleaning processes, Lowell’s continuous investment in technology ensures repeatable performance and shorter lead times. These tools not only reduce manual handling and variability but also allow our skilled team to focus on higher-value engineering and quality work.
The result: greater throughput, fewer delays, and a more resilient supply chain for your implantable device programs.
Partnership Beyond the Purchase Order
The best outcomes in medical device manufacturing come from collaboration and transparency. A strong manufacturing partner engages early in the design process, contributes DFM and GD&T expertise, and provides regular updates through structured project management.
Lowell’s New Product Introduction (NPI) team, supported by engineering, inspection, and manufacturing specialists, ensures project milestones are continuous met, focusing on alignment and accountability.
The Lowell Difference
For more than 60 years, Lowell has been a trusted contract manufacturer for implantable medical devices, combining advanced precision machining, automation, metrology expertise, and regulatory understanding to help our partners bring life-changing products to market with confidence.
Consider what true partnership looks like in your supply chain. At Lowell, we don’t just machine components; we help you manufacture value into every device.
Visit lowellinc.com to explore our capabilities.