One of the areas of application with the greatest potential for the use of additive technology is undoubtedly the medical technology. In addition to dental technology, it is orthopedics in particular in this field, the possibilities of which are significantly expanding thanks to 3D printing technology. In this branch in particular, the need for cost-effective custom-made products, in this case prostheses, is of particular interest.
We would therefore like to give you an understanding of the possibilities of 3D printing technology in this area using 2 concrete examples.
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Prostheses made from SLS printing
A medical supply store in Bernburg, Saxony-Anhalt, has been using 3D printing technology since 2016, albeit as a supplement to conventional ones orthopedic craft. At the beginning there is always the use of 3D scanners to create a model. In particular, the speed and cleanliness of model creation prove to be decisive advantages compared to conventional plaster. Using special software, the Bernburg orthopedic technicians use this digital impression to create a digital model of the model on the PC.
The next step is to 3D print the prosthesis itself. At this point, an important advantage of 3D printing over conventional production becomes apparent, namely the freedom of design it allows. Accordingly, the design wishes of the patients can be wonderfully integrated in order to achieve complete satisfaction. The Bernburg designers have come up with a very special benefit for the children among their patients: if they wish, they can integrate their idols into the design of the prosthesis.
Finally, selective laser sintering (SLS printing) with a biocompatible polyamide (PA)-12 is used for the actual additive manufacturing of the prosthesis. Due to its high strength and rigidity, this material proved to be ideal for use in orthopedic technology. The Bernburg orthopedic technicians have also had excellent experiences with PA 12 in terms of skin compatibility. In addition, the implementation of perforations and lattice structures contributes to the fact that the Klinz prostheses are not only lighter, but also more comfortable to wear.
Orthoses based on plaster templates
A Düsseldorf medical technology company is taking a slightly different approach to using additive technologies. In contrast to the Bernburg case described above, the customers here plan the model of the desired orthoses themselves, either as a plaster model or as a 3D scan. In the case of the plaster model, the customers send the model and the order form by post. In the case of the 3D scan, the scan data record is sent via a link in the order form. From this analogue or digital model, the actual model is then 3D printed, whereby the material can be freely selected. The customer then receives the desired 3D-printed model in the mail.
