3D Printing Implants
Has anyone 3D printed there own implant?
Looking for tips as far as flexible filament that is biosafe, as well as any other insight.
Thanks!
Looking for tips as far as flexible filament that is biosafe, as well as any other insight.
Thanks!
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In this rather thick book i have around about biomedical engineering there are a number of polymers listed with their properties.
you may be able to find a digital copy on the web.
the ISBN: 978-0-07-170473-1
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN HANDBOOK
Volume 1: Fundamentals
by Myer Kutz
you could try to look into HDPE. It's probably a bit difficult to print but at least it's not brittle. The often used PLA won't cause harm inside your body, but it will get bio-eroded away over the course of weeks, so at one point your implant will simply vanish.
You may want to try sourcing higher purity materials than what you can get for a few bucks on ebay. You should keep in mind that 3d-printing won't give you the best surface and you may get holes in there somewhere.
HDPE is 3D printable but always comes out really stringy, and PLA is biodegradable so that wont work, ABS is not safe inside, but I could do some tests with printing silicone if you really want to know if that works or not (dont see why it wouldnt with a frosting extruder)
Not exactly breaking news.
Like custom hearing aids.