EOS Showcases Laser-Sintering for Advanced Medical Applications

By DE Editors

The capabilities of laser-sintering equipment for producing customized medical devices will be showcased by EOS during the medical design and manufacturing conference, MD&M 2010, which takes place June 7-10 in New York.

EOS is demonstrating a working FORMIGA P 100 plastics machine and exhibiting plastic and metal medical prototypes and parts. The company will also provide background about its latest software and hardware for product standardization and reliability.

“Medical companies are already using our technology to create patient-specific medical products, uniquely tailored to an individual’s anatomy and needs,” says Martin Bullemer, key account manager, medical at EOS. “As our quality and production controls continue evolving, designers and manufacturers will be able to achieve even more extraordinary advances in patient care and comfort.”

In plastics, EOS laser-sintered nylon is increasingly being used and researched for disposable, customized operating devices such as drill guides for knee and hip replacements. The same polyamide formulation has seen service in a lightweight, robust and durable orthesis, designed to precision measurements of a patient’s limb. EOS’ new PEEK HP3 thermoplastic will be biocompatible and able to be sterilized.

In metals, direct metal laser-sintering (DMLS) systems are currently used to create stainless-steel prototypes for customized spinal surgical instruments, cobalt chrome replacement knee joint prototypes, and end-product dental copings and bridges, as well as titanium dental implants with porous surfaces.

For more information, visit EOS.

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.