3D printed fibers for implants
Last month, Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) introduced a new carbon-fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK) filament, for use in additive manufacturing (3D printing) of medical implants. This “smart” biomaterial can be processed in common extrusion-based 3D printing technologies, such as fused-filament fabrication (FFF).
Dubbed Vestakeep iC4612 3DF and Vestakeep iC4620 3DF, the two available filaments feature 12% and 20% carbon fiber content, respectively. The two grades offer a choice of material depending on the desired strength and flex properties of 3D-printed implants, such as bone plates and other reconstructive prostheses.
Evonik’s filaments provide strength from the high carbon-fiber content, matched with the ductility of its PEEK component. Additional product benefits include the ability to define the alignment of the carbon fibers during the 3D-printing process, high bio-compatibility for metal-allergy patients and no X-rays artifacts.