The tantalum metal 3D printing intervertebral fusion cage developed by HNHX Medical Technology Corporation using a metal 3D printing solution made in China was awarded the first Class III medical device registration certificate for the manufacturing of a tantalum metal powder based biomimetic bone trabecular structure additive for intervertebral fusion cage in China in January 2023.
Tantalum metal additive manufacturing intervertebral fusion cage is one of the products of medical grade 3D printing solutions developed by HNHX and HSGK. The solution includes a complete set of processes such as product design, 3D printing equipment, printing materials, printing processes, and product testing and sterile production. The core technology has been patented and has fully independent intellectual property rights.
Tantalum is a refractory metal with a melting point close to 3000 ℃. The formation of this material requires high requirements for the quality of the light spot of the equipment, requiring a stable energy output. During the forming process of tantalum, due to high forming stress, parts are prone to cracking, and it is necessary to optimize the forming process to avoid such problems.
As early as 2016, HSGK's 3D printing research and development team has successfully sintered tungsten, tantalum, and other materials, and applied them to fields such as automotive, aerospace, and medical treatment.
Technical advantages of tantalum metal material additive manufacturing intervertebral fusion cage:
1. As a "bio friendly" metal, tantalum has good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, outstanding affinity for bone tissue, excellent bone conduction and bone induction capabilities, and promotes bone growth and fusion;
2. Three-dimensional penetrating bionic bone trabecular microporous structure is conducive to bone fusion and vascularization; The porosity is as high as 68% – 78%, promoting bone growth and angiogenesis, and improving the fusion rate;
3. The elastic modulus is close to that of human cancellous bone and trabecular bone, with high biomechanical fitness and reduced stress shielding;
4. High anatomical shape matching, micron and nanometer level surface roughness, and high friction coefficient with human bones, which is conducive to improving fusion rate and stability, and outstanding anti sinking ability;
5. Excellent load-bearing capacity, enabling immediate weight bearing; High toughness and plasticity, excellent fatigue resistance.
The approval of HNHX's first tantalum metal additive manufacturing medical device registration certificate for intervertebral fusion cages marks a breakthrough in the industrialization of porous tantalum metal implanted medical devices, filling a market gap in the field of porous tantalum material additive manufacturing.