BU

August 5 2025

How Elos Accurate Found Its Niche in Digital Dentistry

What started as a side project in Gørløse has become a globally recognized name in digital dentistry. Elos Accurate was born from a need to do things differently—to explore, co-develop, and bring something new to the table. In this blog, we explore how the team carved out a niche in the digital space, while continuing to support some of the world’s biggest implant companies.

Elos Accurate began as a bold experiment. Tucked inside the Gørløse site of Elos Medtech, what started in 2008 as a low-profile initiative has since evolved into a key growth engine—offering high-value digital dental components under its own brand.

“We didn’t start out with a big strategy,” explains Kasper Duus (Manager, Product Management, Dental). “At the beginning, it was something we did because it was fun, interesting, and a way to explore what was possible. Now, it’s a full business with its own team, brand, and commercial direction.”

Riding the Wave of Digital Transformation

The dental implant industry has long revolved around the core trinity: implant, screw, and abutment. But as dentistry has digitized—through CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, and digital libraries—the real value has shifted to the design and integration of these workflows.

Elos Accurate found its opening here. “Many implant companies were slow to adapt,” the team leader explains. “That gave us space to create digital components that customers needed—but that weren’t yet being offered by the traditional players.”

Instead of building another line of analog prosthetic parts, Elos Accurate focused on the emerging needs of digital users. That included solutions for better integration with lab software, smarter prosthetic interfaces, and cleaner digital workflows. “We looked for root problems that digital could solve—not just surface-level fixes.”

Staying Close to Customers, Without Competing

Walking the line between own-brand products and contract manufacturing is delicate—but deliberate. Elos Accurate still supplies 4 of the top 5 global implant manufacturers, while also running a webshop and distributor model for its own brand.

The key, they say, is trust. “We’ve always been open about where we draw the line. Our goal is to add value—not compete with our customers’ core products. That’s why we focus on workflow-enabling components, not on replacing the implant or abutment systems they’ve already developed.”

This approach has allowed the company to remain a preferred partner for OEMs, while simultaneously growing its own presence under the Elos Accurate brand.

From Experiment to Ecosystem

Today, the Gørløse site is organized around two business models: contract manufacturing and Elos Accurate’s product line. Each side supports the other, sharing engineering expertise, manufacturing infrastructure, and quality systems.

The growth of Elos Accurate also brought organizational change. “We built a direct sales structure, a marketing team, and a product management function,” Kasper notes. “We think more like a brand now—more like a product company than a pure manufacturer.”

With a footprint that includes a design and production base in Denmark, sales offices in Germany and the U.S., and the backing of the wider Elos Group, Elos Accurate is now positioned to serve a global audience.

Digital Dentistry with a Danish Signature

Even as Elos Accurate scales, it retains a distinctly Danish identity—one defined by minimalistic design, engineering rigor, and patient-centered thinking. “We know we could reduce costs by moving production elsewhere,” the team says, “but we believe development and production should happen under the same roof. It ensures quality, it builds pride, and it keeps us close to the product.”

That philosophy is part of what makes Elos Accurate so compelling: a small team from a small country, building technology that shapes the future of dentistry worldwide.

July 21 2025

Understanding the Development Journey: Power Tool Manufacturing with Elos Medtech

Remy Tourvieille Orthopedics Who we are 0

Developing surgical power tools is a complex, multidisciplinary process that requires precision, collaboration, and regulatory rigor. At Elos Medtech, we support customers through every phase of this journey, whether they bring a fully developed design or just an initial concept. This blog outlines the key stages involved in manufacturing surgical power tools and highlights how our expertise contributes to more efficient, cost-effective outcomes.

The Value of Experience

Power tool development within the medical field is fast-moving, with frequent innovation and high expectations for reliability and serviceability. Many customers seek to streamline their offerings, aiming to reduce inventory complexity and maintenance overhead. Elos Medtech’s extensive experience with power tool attachments and various surgical use cases provides critical insight during early-stage development and design refinement.

Additionally, as some OEMs begin integrating their robotics and power tool divisions into unified platforms, there is a growing need for partners who understand both device mechanics and broader system integration. Our interdisciplinary knowledge positions us to support these evolving needs effectively.

Supporting Projects at Any Stage

Elos Medtech has the capability to manufacture both complete power tools and individual components. We support two primary pathways:

Full Development – Starting with a concept or early-stage idea, our R&D and engineering teams collaborate with the customer to develop the product through to regulatory-ready production.

Design-to-Manufacture – When customers provide a finalized design, we evaluate it for manufacturing efficiency and may suggest design modifications to optimize performance or reduce production costs.

This flexibility allows us to meet customers where they are in their development process while maintaining consistent quality and regulatory alignment.

Additionally, the type of manufacturing partnership can vary:

Elos can produce parts and sub-assemblies and ship them to the customer for final assembly in their facilities.

Alternatively, Elos can handle everything, including final assembly, legal manufacturing responsibilities, and maintenance. After all, the best partner to maintain a surgical power tool is often the one who built it.

We adapt to the customer’s needs, but this full-inclusive model can greatly simplify supply chain, inventory, and maintenance management—often resulting in reduced overall costs and lead times.

A Structured, Collaborative Process

The development of a new power tool typically begins with joint planning sessions. Our R&D engineers work closely with the customer’s engineering team, coordinated by an Elos project design manager. During this stage, clear design inputs are defined—these serve as measurable targets for the subsequent phases of development and validation.

Following the initial design work, the process moves into design verification, where we assess whether the product meets all predefined inputs. Once verified, the design is frozen for the first phase of prototyping.

Prototyping is typically executed in two phases:

Functional Prototyping – Focused on testing specific features of the tool (often using synthetic bone models). This stage helps identify any necessary design changes before full validation.

Validation Prototyping – Involves rigorous clinical testing, including cadaver lab sessions with surgeons. This ensures the power tool performs as expected under real-world conditions.

In some cases, these prototyping stages can be conducted in parallel to reduce overall timelines. However, this approach introduces additional risk and is implemented only with customer agreement.

Timeframes and Efficiency

For full-cycle development projects, the typical timeline ranges from 2 to 3 years. If the customer brings a complete design, the process may be shortened to 12–18 months. Collaboration is key in either case; consistent communication and mutual understanding enable teams to troubleshoot efficiently and make timely decisions.

A Partnership Approach

Rather than a transactional model, power tool manufacturing at Elos Medtech is built on partnership. Long-term collaboration allows for deeper alignment on goals, faster problem-solving, and improved continuity across projects. This partnership model is especially valuable for customers seeking to reduce development time while maintaining rigorous standards.

Conclusion

The development of surgical power tools involves a careful balance of technical precision, collaborative planning, and iterative validation. With capabilities that span the entire product lifecycle and a strong emphasis on partnership, Elos Medtech provides a robust framework for bringing high-quality, clinically effective tools to market. Get in touch to find out more or how we can assist you with your project.

Orthopedic Power Tools

July 15 2025

Meet the Expert: Ralph Erhard on Guiding the Analog-to-Digital Transition in Dental Labs

Rebecca Reinkilde Dental Who we are 0

Our people power everything we do – they work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our customers’ ideas into life-changing solutions. In this edition of our Meet the Expert series, we speak with Ralph Erhard, a master dental technician with deep roots in both the analog and digital worlds of dental technology. Based in Germany, Ralph plays a key role in supporting customers—and colleagues—as part of Elos Medtech’s Dental Business Unit.

Ralph, can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Elos Medtech?

I’ve been in the dental field for most of my career. After completing master school in Freiburg, I founded my own dental laboratory. I had too many ideas in my head, and I couldn’t see how I’d be able to realize them as an employee. So I jumped in with both feet.

For 13 years, we focused on implant-supported prosthetics and were early adopters of digital tools—well before desktop milling machines or today’s CAD/CAM systems were mainstream. That experience gave me a real foundation in both traditional and digital dental workflows.

Later, I started a consultancy called 3Dentify, working with implant companies and helping with digital library development. Elos Medtech was one of my clients – eventually, they brought me on board full-time.

What does your role at Elos Medtech look like today?

It’s a hybrid role. I still support the technical side—libraries, validation, working with partners—but I also support sales and customer development, especially here in the German market.

I don’t think of it as traditional sales. I don’t show up with a price list and a pen. It’s really about building relationships and helping customers find the right technical solutions. If you can speak to someone on their level—if they know you understand the work—that builds trust.

What do you find unique about working with dental customers?

There’s a big difference between where people are on their digital journey. Many dental technicians still work in analog, and they’re curious about digital tools, but also a little afraid. It can be a lot to take in—software, machines, workflows.

What helps is that I started in analog too. I understand where they’re coming from, and I don’t push everything at once. You don’t have to sell the whole workflow—you just need to show people how one piece of the puzzle can improve their work. That’s how you build confidence.

You’re also involved in building the Elos Medtech brand locally. What does that involve?

We’re very well known among implant manufacturers, but not every dental technician knows who we are—even if they’re using our products through a third-party partner. So part of my job is to change that.

We recently opened a new office near Karlsruhe, and we’re growing our presence in Germany. It’s a bit like a startup. Elos is a big company, but when you’re developing a new market, you have to build it from the ground up. I’m visiting labs, building relationships, and showing people what we can offer.

What’s something you think customers might not realize about Elos?

Elos has decades of experience in dental technology, and a lot of what we offer is based on real-world application. We’re not just making components—we’re making them with an understanding of how they’ll be used in the lab or in the clinic.

That makes a big difference when you’re trying to support someone with a technical challenge. You’re not just pointing to the manual—you’ve actually been there.

Additionally, we’ve been a trusted CDMO/OEM partner of many implant companies for decades. As a result, there are likely many dentists and technicians who have held our products in their hands without realizing they were working with Elos components.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I still run my consultancy part-time, especially on weekends, because I really enjoy the creative and technical side of dental library development. But I also make sure to take breaks. My wife, my teenage girl, and I love hiking and biking in the Pfalz region here in Germany. It’s a good way to reset.

July 10 2025

Power Tools in Orthopedics: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t

Reto Strickler Orthopedics Who we are 0

Orthopedic surgical power tools have come a long way. Battery packs have replaced cords and hoses. Regulatory requirements have become more demanding. Expectations around testing and documentation have grown. But despite all this, the core purpose of these tools has stayed the same.

As Reto Strickler, VP of Operations (Ortho, Europe) points out, “The tools we produce today still look very similar to the ones we made 20 or 30 years ago.” The fundamentals are steady. It’s the environment around them that has evolved.

The Job Is Still the Same – So What Has Changed?

Orthopedic drills, saws, and drivers are still built to cut, drill, and fix bone. The shapes and mechanics behind these tools haven’t changed much. Over the decades, these designs have been refined through daily use and close feedback from the surgeons who rely on them.

What has changed is how those tools are made, documented, and validated. Engineers and manufacturers now work within tighter tolerances, stricter testing standards, and more detailed risk assessments than ever before.

Quality and Compliance Are Central Now

Reto sees the biggest shift in the validation and regulatory requirements. “Twenty years ago, we could go straight into production. Now we have to go through full validation phases with risk assessments and traceability.”

Manufacturers today are expected to plan for compliance from the start. From selecting the material, to defining measurement systems, to supporting audits and quality checks—every part of the process needs to be documented and reliable.

Helping customers meet these standards has become just as important as building the tools themselves.

From Parts to Full Solutions

Reto’s team in Hölstein doesn’t just make components. They build fully assembled power tool sub-systems, including gearboxes, drives, and attachments. That means customers can place one order and receive a complete, tested solution.

This approach reduces complexity for the customer. Instead of managing multiple suppliers, validations, and assembly steps, they get a single, integrated service. The result is faster lead times and fewer surprises in production.

Technical Skill is a Requirement – But Experience Adds Value

With more than 35 years of experience in producing surgical power tools, the team in Hölstein brings more than technical skill. They offer early-stage design input that can help reduce cost and improve manufacturability.

“Sometimes we see features on a drawing that don’t add value or make the part harder to produce. We give feedback—can we remove this radius? Is this tolerance really needed?” says Reto.

These small changes can improve manufacturing and testing without affecting performance. By flagging issues early, the team helps customers avoid problems that could delay production later on.

Relationships Bring Compounding Effects

The tools themselves may not have changed much, but the partnerships behind them have grown stronger. Many of our power tool customers have been with Elos Medtech for decades.

That trust is built on transparency, consistent performance, and a willingness to help—even before a contract is signed. As Reto explains, “Our customers quickly realize: we don’t just deliver, we think ahead. Sometimes we simply share an idea, no invoice, just because we genuinely want to help.”

Being part of Elos Medtech has also expanded what Hölstein can offer. By working with other Elos sites in Sweden, the US, and elsewhere, the team can support larger programs with more advanced capabilities and built-in redundancy.

July 10 2025

Protected: Diagnostics Case Study: Elos Medtech and Sysmex-Astrego

Matt Derczynski

June 29 2025

Bridging the Gap: Bringing Class III Principles to Class IIB Medical Devices Manufacturing

Michael Mocker Advanced Surgical Who we are 0

We recently introduced Michael Mocker from our Advanced Surgical Business Unit as part of our ‘Meet the Experts’ series. In this piece, Michael shares some reflections on how his background in the highest risk category of medical device, Class III, is shaping his approach to Class IIb projects.

After years of working in Class III medical device manufacturing, where the margin for error is essentially zero, I recently made the move to Elos Medtech, where we primarily operate in the Class IIB space. While the regulatory classifications differ, the mindset for excellence shouldn’t.

One of the most important lessons I’ve carried with me is the power of a risk-based approach. Whether you’re developing a vascular implant or a surgical tool, the principles remain the same…

Risk isn’t just about product design – it touches everything

From incoming inspections of raw materials to process validations and final visual controls, every step in the chain has potential to affect the outcome. And every step deserves the same disciplined attention.

Drawings don’t always match reality

One of the most underestimated challenges is translating 2D plans into 3D reality. Measurements can differ based on angle, equipment, or environment, even when you and your customer think you’re assessing the same point. This is where a strong foundation in dimensional control and validation becomes vital. A good relationship and a trustful partnership with the customer is key, finding sustainable solutions and control procedures.

Let the experts lead

Too often, projects are slowed down when multiple voices try to direct the manufacturing path. Customers bring unmatched knowledge of the clinical need and regulatory pathway, but they don’t need to carry the burden of process engineering, too. That’s our expertise. We lead manufacturing so they can focus on market success, as well as market challenges, market needs and notified body (e.g. FDA) requirements.

Documentation, traceability, and data-driven processes make the difference

Reliable commercial production isn’t a result of good luck, it’s the outcome of deliberate, statistically-supported process development. With traceability, clear validation, and robust process controls, we deliver products that meet both performance expectations and compliance requirements.

Having a strong and reliable supplier is one big and important puzzle piece for being successful with NPI (new product introduction).

For me, moving from a Class III to a Class IIb environment hasn’t meant lowering standards. Instead, it has reinforced the importance of maintaining a rigorous, quality-driven mindset, regardless of classification. At Elos Medtech, I’ve joined a team that shares this commitment, where trust, precision, and expert leadership guide everything we do to deliver real value.

May 22 2025

Protected: CDMO+

Matt Derczynski

April 9 2025

Cutting Tools

Matt Derczynski

Cutting Tools

Cutting tools are at the core of orthopedic surgery—where precision, consistency, and performance directly impact surgical outcomes. At Elos Medtech, we manufacture a full range of high-performance cutting instruments, from single-use consumables to reusable systems, engineered to meet the evolving needs of orthopedic procedures.

We have significant expertise in this area—some members of our team have specialized in cutting tool production since 1991.

Our Expertise

Concept to Market

Cutting tool manufacturing and engineering solutions

With deep expertise in producing cutting tools, pins, wires, and alignment guides, we support our partners with solutions that integrate seamlessly into surgical workflows—whether for conventional procedures or advanced power tool systems.

We offer end-to-end capabilities in the development and manufacturing of orthopedic cutting tools, from design input and prototyping through to full production.

Our cutting tools expertise covers:

Single-use and reusable cutting instruments – Including drills, reamers, burrs, saw blades, and more. Designed for efficiency, sharpness, and consistent performance—whether used once or over multiple sterilization cycles.
Bone pins and guide wires – Manufactured with exceptional straightness and cutting precision, optimized for use with navigated systems and robotic platforms.
Cutting guides and alignment tools – Enhancing implant positioning accuracy and supporting procedural consistency across different surgical teams.

Accelerate your path from concept to market.

We bring your vision to life by considering every aspect of delivery, ensuring seamless execution from ideation to final production.

From Vision to Solution – Transforming ideas into high-quality solutions through clinical insight, collaboration, and precision manufacturing.
Comprehensive Solutions – Full-service support from concept development to final packaging, ensuring a streamlined product journey.
Accelerated Market Entry – Leveraging deep industry knowledge and technical expertise to reduce development cycles and bring products to market faster.

Access our engineering and manufacturing expertise.

Our wide range of technologies and materials expertise enable the creation of high-quality orthopedic solutions.

Engineering Excellence – Advanced design and manufacturing expertise tailored specifically for Medtech requirements.

Technological & Materials Expertise – Precision machining, injection molding, and additive manufacturing integrated to create cost-effective, high-performance solutions.

Robust Process Validation – Stringent quality control measures to ensure all products meet the highest industry standards.

Uncompromising safety and supply chain efficiency.

We prioritize compliance, efficiency, and reliability to optimize performance and ensure seamless delivery.

Strict Regulatory Compliance – Adherence to ISO 13485 and global medical device standards for safety and reliability.

Optimal Supply Chain Efficiency – Streamlined production and logistics processes to guarantee cost-effectiveness and on-time delivery.

Orthopedic cutting tool specialization since 1991.

With decades of orthopedic manufacturing experience and vertically integrated capabilities, Elos Medtech is a proven partner for developing cutting tool solutions tailored to your needs.

April 9 2025

Pins & Wires

Matt Derczynski

Orthopedic Pins and Wires

Precision, strength, and reliability are essential in every fixation. Our expertise in manufacturing and improving orthopedic pins and wires—including K-wires, Steinmann pins, and guide wires—ensures that your products are able to meet the demands of orthopedic procedures from trauma, reconstruction, and navigation-assisted procedures.

Our Expertise

Concept to Market

Orthopedic pins and wires

From standard geometries to custom designs, we offer scalable product development and manufacturing solutions backed by rigorous quality control and a deep understanding of orthopedic surgical applications.

We have notable expertise in manufacturing:

Bone pins for joint reconstruction procedures
K-wires, guide wires, and tension wires for fixation, navigation, and soft tissue management
Half-pins for external fixation systems requiring modular, load-bearing stability
Pins for spinal and CMF procedures, designed for minimally invasive or high-precision surgical approaches

We bring thorough engineering expertise to help optimize existing pin and wire designs—enhancing performance, manufacturability, and cost-efficiency.

Accelerate your path from concept to market

We bring your vision to life by considering every aspect of delivery, ensuring seamless execution from ideation to final production.

From Vision to Solution – Transforming ideas into high-quality solutions through clinical insight, collaboration, and precision manufacturing.
Comprehensive Solutions – Full-service support from concept development to final packaging, ensuring a streamlined product journey.
Accelerated Market Entry – Leveraging deep industry knowledge and technical expertise to reduce development cycles and bring products to market faster.

Access our engineering and manufacturing expertise

Our wide range of technologies and materials expertise enable the creation of high-quality orthopedic solutions.

Engineering Excellence – Advanced design and manufacturing expertise tailored specifically for Medtech requirements.

Technological & Materials Expertise – Precision machining, injection molding, and additive manufacturing integrated to create cost-effective, high-performance solutions.

Robust Process Validation – Stringent quality control measures to ensure all products meet the highest industry standards.

Uncompromising safety and supply chain efficiency

We prioritize compliance, efficiency, and reliability to optimize performance and ensure seamless delivery.

Strict Regulatory Compliance – Adherence to ISO 13485 and global medical device standards for safety and reliability.

Optimal Supply Chain Efficiency – Streamlined production and logistics processes to guarantee cost-effectiveness and on-time delivery.

Let’s bring your idea to market—together.

Elos Medtech is your trusted partner for product development and manufacturing solutions. From design to delivery, we offer deep expertise in development, process optimization, packaging, and regulatory support.

Tell us what you need—we’re ready to help you move forward.

April 7 2025

Surface-Hardened Titanium

Matt Derczynski

Visualization for Orthopedics

Endoscopy and visualization-based procedures are revolutionizing minimally invasive surgery, enabling enhanced precision, reduced recovery times, and improved patient outcomes. As a CDMO specializing in high-precision manufacturing, we collaborate with MedTech companies to develop cutting-edge solutions that integrate advanced optics, imaging technologies, and minimally invasive instrumentation.

Our offering

Our expertise

Visualization Technologies for Orthopedic Procedures

We provide high-precision manufacturing solutions for endoscopic instruments, optical components, single-use devices, and robotic-assisted systems.

Endoscopic Instrumentation

We specialize in the development and production of high-precision trocars, articulating instruments, and access ports for minimally invasive procedures:

Trocar systems with advanced sealing mechanisms to maintain insufflation and minimize leakage.
Articulating and steerable instruments for greater maneuverability in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic procedures.
Precision-engineered shafts, handles, and working channels designed for durability and seamless instrument integration.

Optical Components & Housings

We manufacture high-precision optical components that ensure seamless integration with surgical imaging systems, enhancing clarity and accuracy:

Camera housings, lens mounts, and optical frames for compact, high-resolution visualization.
Machined components for endoscopic light transmission and fiber optic systems.
Ultra-tight tolerance manufacturing to ensure distortion-free imaging in high-definition and 3D visualization systems.

Disposable & Single-Use Devices

The increasing demand for infection control and cost-efficient surgical solutions drives our focus on single-use device manufacturing:

Cannulas, sheaths, and introducers for minimally invasive procedures.
Sterile-packed, single-use endoscopic instruments for safety and ease of use.
Injection-molded components made from biocompatible materials, assembled with precision.

Robotic & Navigation-Enabled Systems

We support next-generation surgical platforms by manufacturing high-precision components for robotic-assisted surgery and navigation technologies:

Miniaturized end-effectors and wristed instruments designed for robotic surgical arms.
Navigation-compatible tracking markers and fiducials for enhanced procedural accuracy.
Mechanical housings for robotic-assisted visualization and control systems.

Accelerate Your Path from Concept to Market

We bring your vision to life by considering every aspect of delivery, ensuring seamless execution from ideation to final production.

From Vision to Solution – Transforming ideas into high-quality solutions through clinical insight, collaboration, and precision manufacturing.

Comprehensive Solutions – Full-service support from concept development to final packaging, ensuring a streamlined product journey.

Accelerated Market Entry – Leveraging deep industry knowledge and technical expertise to reduce development cycles and bring products to market faster.

Access Our Engineering & Manufacturing Expertise

Our wide range of technologies and materials expertise enable the creation of high-quality orthopedic solutions.

Engineering Excellence – Advanced design and manufacturing expertise tailored specifically for Medtech requirements.

Technological & Materials Expertise – Precision machining, injection molding, and additive manufacturing integrated to create cost-effective, high-performance solutions.

Robust Process Validation – Stringent quality control measures to ensure all products meet the highest industry standards.

Uncompromising Safety & Supply Chain Efficiency

We prioritize compliance, efficiency, and reliability to optimize performance and ensure seamless delivery.

Strict Regulatory Compliance – Adherence to ISO 13485 and global medical device standards for safety and reliability.

Optimal Supply Chain Efficiency – Streamlined production and logistics processes to guarantee cost-effectiveness and on-time delivery.

Get in touch

Elos Medtech is the product development and manufacturing partner of choice for orthopedic companies. Our expertise spans product development, process optimization, packaging and regulatory.