Bone implants according to individual drawings
Bones are quite light, but strong structures capable of withstanding extreme loads. The inner fraction of the bone has a spongy structure. In certain areas, it is compacted and compact, while in others it is characterized by pronounced porosity. Specialists involved in the design and manufacture of lightweight structures are very interested in using this principle in practice.
Scientists of the Fraunhofer Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Materials Research have developed a modeling program that allows calculating the parameters of the internal structure and distribution of bone density. This program provides information on how a structure that meets certain requirements should be organized.
Powerful modeling technology allows you to translate the received information into reality. To do this, the surface of the workpiece is covered with the thinnest layers of a special metal powder. The laser beam heats up and sinters the powder in certain places where the final structure must have special strength.
The final product is a part of the desired shape with open pores. Each of its points has a strictly defined density and the necessary stability. This technique will allow engineers to create elements of increased lightness that strictly meet the requirements of each specific task.
In the process of work, the scientists managed to further improve the methodology. They learned how to change the internal structure of the finished elements with precision drilling.
With the help of the new technology, it will be quite easy to manufacture individual implants, the internal structure of which will correspond to the structure of the patient's bone. Metal powder made of materials such as titanium and steel allows the reconstruction of various bone elements, such as the components of the knee joint.
According to the authors, the technology they offer has great potential in various fields, and the production of bone implants is just the beginning. The advantages of load-bearing structures combining lightness and strength of bones in industries such as aircraft and automotive are so obvious that they do not need explanation.
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily
14.07.2008