previously unfeasible . 3D printing is highly suited to the production of

medical devices in both cobalt chrome and titanium , and capable of producing complex features and accurate parts .

Renishaw is working to apply additive manufacturing to custom medical device production for craniomaxillofacial implants and guides , and is keen to work with its customers to improve existing custom devices and develop new applications that are yet to be exploited . “ Renishaw ’ s laser melting is a pioneering additive manufacturing process capable of producing fully dense metal parts direct from 3D CAD files using a high-powered fibre laser ,” explains Parkes . “ Parts are built from a range of fine metal powders that are fully melted in a tightly controlled atmosphere layer by layer in thicknesses ranging from 20 to 100 microns .”

AM has been used as a manufacturing method in the medical

Matt Parkes , Senior Medical Development

Engineer , Renishaw

yet to reach its full potential in this industry . “ Because AM builds an implant layer by layer , it ’ s possible to produce PSIs that are a more accurate fit for the patient . The manufacturing method also has fewer geometric constraints than subtractive manufacturing . PSIs designed and manufactured according to a patient ’ s CT scan encourages the implant to integrate with the patient ’ s bone , reducing the risk of loosening .”

As a result , patients are less likely to suffer pain or require revision surgeries . “ As well as being able to

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