Medical Modelling

An avenue of research that we have embarked upon is the use of Layer Manufacturing (LM) in the medical field. Medical Modelling refers to the creation of physical models from biologic data. The numerous applications in the medical disciplines include planning of operations, scaffolding in tissue engineering, creating implants and prosthetics for corrective surgeries, anatomical and molecular modelling, dentistry and the manufacturing of timed- and precision release medication for the drug industry. Specialised software convert CT or MRI scans into the format required for printing. In this way a physical model of patient information (features) required for diagnostics or direct implementation is created.

What can be printed?

The 3D printing system makes use of a variety of starch- and ceramic-based powders to produce 3D models layer by layer using thicknesses of 0.1mm. The material characteristics at this stage, constrains feature sizes to be at least approximately 1mm. It is therefore capable of producing most anatomical features including typical detail found in the cerebral and nasal passages and spinal vertebrae.

Other applications?

By virtue of its far-reaching capabilities, the use of Layer Manufacturing in the medical field is very wide and continues to grow as researchers and medical practitioners work together to find new solutions. Other applications for 3D-Printing in the medical field include:

•           Anatomical and molecular modelling

•           Scaffolding in tissue engineering

•           Maxillo-facial operations

•           Customized implants

•           Pharmaceutics

•           …

An exciting new development is the use of metal powders to produce custom-made implants for patients directly in the final material, such as titanium or cobalt chrome. We are in the process of acquiring a new LaserCUSING system from Concept Laser GmbH, and will soon be able to offer this service to patients and their clinicians. Please see Rapid Prototyping & Tooling services.

Software used

                                                                  And we may soon acquire…

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