Sintx Technologies Expands Horizons With Strategic Initiatives
$SINT
SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SINT), a manufacturer and developer of advanced ceramic materials, has recently entered a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) to supply jet engine components made of silicon nitride. This agreement follows a rigorous two-year qualification process of the company’s Operational and Quality Management Systems and successful testing of prototype components. Dave O’Brien, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at SINTX, noted that the company had to innovate new manufacturing capabilities and processes to meet the challenge of producing aerospace parts with complex designs. This entailed expanding beyond its expertise in medical implants to manufacture durable jet engine components under an AS9100D certified quality management system.
The LTA represents a significant step for the industry as it seeks to diversify its capabilities beyond biomedical implants towards producing industrial and aerospace products. The company’s Maryland facility is already making prototypes for several energy and defense applications. Although there are no minimum requirements under the LTA and annual revenues are projected to be less than $0.25 million, the agreement allows SINTX to fulfill all of the customer’s requirements for silicon nitride aerospace components, provided the company meets specified quality, delivery and purchase order metrics. The LTA extends to the end of 2026, with a customer option for renewal and periodic demand forecasts guiding supply plan management and revenues. In another significant development, SINTX has been awarded a Phase II grant of $1,972,826 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a 3D printed composite silicon nitride – polyetheretherketone (SN-PEEK) spinal implant.
This grant represents the fourth NIH grant awarded to SINTX since the Phase I award for this project was received in September of 2021. PEEK-based devices, which represent approximately 40% of spine implants within the $10 billion global spine market, are favored for their proven clinical efficacy. Through the development of 3DP SN-PEEK spinal implants, SINTX aims to combine the familiarity and benefits of PEEK with the antibacterial and osteoconductive characteristics of silicon nitride. Dr. Ryan Bock, Vice President of Research and Development and Principal Investigator for the project, highlighted that the successful completion of Phase I aims has shown the feasibility and reliability of 3DP SN-PEEK spinal implants.
These implants met minimum load thresholds in accordance with established mechanical testing standards, demonstrated basic biocompatibility and resisted bacterial adhesion. In Phase II, SINTX and external collaborators will conduct formal design validation activities, test static and dynamic mechanical properties of implants, carry out formal biocompatibility assessments and assess in vivo antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility and osseointegration for a 3DP SN-PEEK cervical implant against appropriate controls. The NIH grant will support resourcing and acquisition of materials as well as testing and trials at SINTX and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet). Moreover, SINTX has announced a collaboration with 3DCERAM Sinto, Inc. to develop multiple novel resins and processes for the additive manufacturing of ceramic products. This collaboration aims to leverage and further develop their existing expertise to produce unique, high-value resins, 3D print ceramic components and subject those components to advanced thermal processing.
The focus is on the biomedical and investment casting industries. Dr. Sonny Bal, CEO of SINTX Technologies, expressed excitement about the possibilities of creating a silicon nitride-based resin for the biomedical market, emphasizing that 3D printed silicon nitride devices will play a major role in the future of medical and technical segments. Michael Halsband, Sinto America’s CEO, added that there has been global interest in these types of capabilities, particularly in the investment casting industry, which has a strong need for a silica-based resin. The collaboration is expected to drive expanded geographical adoption of additive manufactured advanced ceramics, providing game-changing solutions within these industries.
SINTX Technologies continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and expansion across various industries. By entering strategic agreements and securing significant grants, the company is poised to enhance its capabilities and product offerings. These initiatives reflect SINTX’s dedication to advancing the field of advanced ceramics and its potential to impact the medical, industrial and aerospace sectors.
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