Mark Crawford, Contributing Writer12.02.19
Matching the right material to the right device to the right procedure is a key element in the development of any orthopedic implant, product, or instrument—and the abundance of materials to choose from continues to expand.
Material science is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of disruptive new manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP). Advanced injection molding can now process a wider range of polymers and even metals for key product applications. New or enhanced materials give engineers more options for creative orthopedic device designs, higher functionality, and improved patient outcomes.
Material science innovations include advanced resorbable materials, antimicrobial coatings, biodegradable metals, and bioprinting of live cells. New metalworking processes can increase the strength of standard materials by refining microstructural design. AM/3DP processes and materials allow engineers and designers to think “outside the box” and create highly functional products that cannot be made any other way.
Despite these exciting advances, orthopedic OEMs tend to remain very conser
Material science is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of disruptive new manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP). Advanced injection molding can now process a wider range of polymers and even metals for key product applications. New or enhanced materials give engineers more options for creative orthopedic device designs, higher functionality, and improved patient outcomes.
Material science innovations include advanced resorbable materials, antimicrobial coatings, biodegradable metals, and bioprinting of live cells. New metalworking processes can increase the strength of standard materials by refining microstructural design. AM/3DP processes and materials allow engineers and designers to think “outside the box” and create highly functional products that cannot be made any other way.
Despite these exciting advances, orthopedic OEMs tend to remain very conser
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