engleski

Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Machining of Medical Implants

Concerning the implants, medical models obtained by RP are normally used indirectly, as masters, to produce prosthesis in biocompatible conventional materials (e.g. titanium, cobalt-chrome alloys, medical-grade aluminum, medical-grade silicone etc.) mainly by casting and spray metal molding. However, RP technology has the ability to fabricate models with complex geometric forms, and so is very suitable to reproduce the intricate forms of human body. By using a RP models, visualization of intricate and hidden details of traumas by surgeon is enhanced. Some recent researches aiming to improve the use of RP in the production of medical implants are directed toward producing implants of biocompatible materials directly in the RP process. Medical scanning techniques (e.g. CT, MRI etc.) and computer aided design and manufacturing of the products, widely applied in industry, are feasible to take a place in medicine also to improve medical surgery results. In the paper, a possible approach in implant manufacturing based on CT-scanning, computer modelling and machining process aiming to obtain customized implants of unique geometry will be introduced. This approach will be illustrated by a case study of manufacturing of hip bone RP model and stainless steel implant.

medical implants; rapid prototyping; machining

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