Selective laser melting for rapid prototyping of medical devices

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a new technology of Rapid Prototyping (RP) and can make high density metal parts with metallurgical bonding and good mechanical properties from CAD model layer-by-layer by using a focused laser beam with high energy density. Metal parts made by SLM technology can improve the rigidity and strength of the parts, so it’s particularly suitable for manufacture of customized medical implants with complex external and internal structure. This study shows some new applications of SLM technique, including direct manufacturing of customized orthopedics surgery orienting model, porous implants and lingual orthodontic brackets. The customized orthopedics surgery orienting model was applied in a real surgery operation for thighbone replacement operation and worked well. The success development of the method also provides a new method for the automatic manufacture of customized implants and lingual brackets, and will build a foundation for more clinical applications. We can expect in the near future, medical implant and lingual orthodontic brackets made by SLM can be used in clinical, after the improvement of the process parameters and the bio-security credentials of the material.Selective laser melting (SLM) is a new technology of Rapid Prototyping (RP) and can make high density metal parts with metallurgical bonding and good mechanical properties from CAD model layer-by-layer by using a focused laser beam with high energy density. Metal parts made by SLM technology can improve the rigidity and strength of the parts, so it’s particularly suitable for manufacture of customized medical implants with complex external and internal structure. This study shows some new applications of SLM technique, including direct manufacturing of customized orthopedics surgery orienting model, porous implants and lingual orthodontic brackets. The customized orthopedics surgery orienting model was applied in a real surgery operation for thighbone replacement operation and worked well. The success development of the method also provides a new method for the automatic manufacture of customized implants and lingual brackets, and will build a foundation for more clinical applications. We can expect in th...