Amedica Corporation03.24.16
Amedica Corporation, a company that develops and commercializes silicon nitride ceramics as a biomaterial platform, is pleased to announce its first fabrication of complex, three-dimensional structures by a 3D printing process called robotic deposition, or robocasting. The final products have been examined under scanning electron microscopy to confirm the integrity and validity of the 3D printing method, and have been shown to achieve similar theoretical density and microstructure attributes to the traditionally manufactured silicon nitride fusion devices currently in use.
"This innovation speaks to the unique art and science related to our manufacturing strength," said Dr. Sonny Bal, Amedica chairman and CEO. "3D printing of a complex ceramic material opens future doors, especially in terms of cost advantages, and addressing a variety of OEM partner needs. Custom additive manufacturing is a modern advancement, and we are proud to lead the way in 3D printing of our silicon nitride formulation, with its advantages in bone fusion, antibacterial behavior, and superior strength."
Robocasting is a freeform fabrication technique for dense ceramics and composites that is based on layered deposition of highly colloidal slurries. The process is essentially binder-less and a device can be completely sintered in less than 24 hours. With this advancement, Amedica can now progress toward commercializing 3D printed silicon nitride implants, with controllable porosity levels to address specific clinical needs. This manufacturing method is promising for the production of anatomically relevant shaped silicon nitride implants, while also allowing custom fabrication of bone scaffolds suited for cellular differentiation and neovascularization.
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Amedica is focused on the development and application of interbody implants manufactured with medical-grade silicon nitride ceramic. The company markets spinal fusion products and is developing a new generation of wear- and corrosion-resistant implant components for hip and knee arthroplasty as well as dental applications.
"This innovation speaks to the unique art and science related to our manufacturing strength," said Dr. Sonny Bal, Amedica chairman and CEO. "3D printing of a complex ceramic material opens future doors, especially in terms of cost advantages, and addressing a variety of OEM partner needs. Custom additive manufacturing is a modern advancement, and we are proud to lead the way in 3D printing of our silicon nitride formulation, with its advantages in bone fusion, antibacterial behavior, and superior strength."
Robocasting is a freeform fabrication technique for dense ceramics and composites that is based on layered deposition of highly colloidal slurries. The process is essentially binder-less and a device can be completely sintered in less than 24 hours. With this advancement, Amedica can now progress toward commercializing 3D printed silicon nitride implants, with controllable porosity levels to address specific clinical needs. This manufacturing method is promising for the production of anatomically relevant shaped silicon nitride implants, while also allowing custom fabrication of bone scaffolds suited for cellular differentiation and neovascularization.
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Amedica is focused on the development and application of interbody implants manufactured with medical-grade silicon nitride ceramic. The company markets spinal fusion products and is developing a new generation of wear- and corrosion-resistant implant components for hip and knee arthroplasty as well as dental applications.