Optomec, which makes metal additive systems, says the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is using the company's hybrid control atmospheric system to develop soluble magnesium components.
These magnesium components can be used as medical implants, they can control the dissolution time, which completely eliminates the need for a second operation, thereby reducing the risk, cost and pain of the patient.
According to Dr. Michael Sealy, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at UNL, Optomec's Hybrid Controlled Atmospheric System is the only commercial machine capable of providing mixed manufacturing capabilities for live metals. "Our research focus is on improving the performance and functionality of dissolvable equipment, and we are using a hybrid additive manufacturing process to control medical fasteners and prevent the disintegration of steel plates to keep them tactile enough to hold Their long-lasting ability, when bones return to health, they degrade. "
Currently, medical implants, such as steel plates and screws, are produced from titanium or stainless steel, which are permanent structural components.
Powder metals such as magnesium, titanium, and other active materials must be processed in a controlled atmospheric environment where oxygen and moisture impurities must be kept below ten parts per million. Dr. Sealy uses a 3D hybrid controlled atmosphere system to process these materials, so that the strength and integrity of the degradable implants can be maintained for a long enough time, which ensures that the implants can successfully complete their mission and can automatically degrade.