HEALTHCARE technology firm axial3D is moving to new office premises in Belfast city centre in response to increased demand for its ground-breaking 3D printing models.
The move follows a major contract to supply 3D printed pre-operative planning models to the health service as part of the NHS Framework in Northern Ireland and Wales until 2020.
The Belfast firm has experienced a surge in demand for its patient-specific 3D printed models, according to chief executive Daniel Crawford, who said 3D printing was currently "transforming" how surgeons work.
"As awareness of the potential of 3D printing in healthcare grows within the clinical community, so too has the demand for our services," he said.
"As a result, we are thrilled to have three new members to the team, each bringing a proven track record of success in enhancing class-leading solutions, building sustainable partnerships and delivering superior client experience."
Axial3D's patient-specific 3D printed models are typically used to better understand ailments, facilitate pre-operative planning and improve surgical outcome for patients.
Leading consultants have also relied on 3D bespoke models to develop new surgical techniques by trialling novel procedures in a "consequence-free environment", Mr Crawford said.
Additionally, during the past 12months, he said the company had made "significant product advances", dispatching bespoke anatomical models around in the world within 48 hours.
"Meanwhile, the firm’s intuitive online service - axial3D Insight - makes it easy for clinicians to securely upload patient scans, order precise models of anatomy in minutes and receive the completed model in days," Mr Crawford added.
During this period of rapid growth, three key senior staff members have been appointed to the axial3D team: Cathy Coomber, operations manager; Niall Haslam, CTO, and Katie McKinley, head of new business and strategic partnerships.
Cathy is a former production controller for Intelesens, a leading innovator in non-invasive vital signs monitoring, and will oversee the manufacturing and distribution processes, as well as managing the quality and regulatory aspects of the business.
Niall brings over 10 years’ experience in software engineering in both industry and academia. holding senior positions in University College Dublin (UCD), CME Group and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
He will drive the firm’s technology strategy, including building out its machine learning capabilities and managing a growing R&D team of software and biomedical engineers.
Katie McKinley, a former head of new business Europe for PathXL, will lead the axial3D commercial strategy, at a time when 3D printing is breaking new ground beyond the limits of traditional scanning techniques.
"Axial3D is fast becoming the go-to company for clinicians seeking unprecedented insight into their patient’s pathology, far beyond the limits of traditional CT and MRI scans," she said.
"Having collaborated with our customers and partners, I look forward to further exploration of the full potential of our disruptive 3D printing technology and service."
