Individual Bone Implants Whose Structure Resembles That Of The Natural Bone Can Now Be Produced Easi
Individual bone implants whose structure resembles that of the natural bone can now be produced quite easily. First, a simulation program calculates the bone’s internal structure and porosity, then a rapid prototyping machine “bakes” the implant from metal powder.
Scientists have learnt many things from nature – for example, the structure of a bone. Bones are very light but nonetheless
More..able to withstand extremely heavy loads. The inside of a bone is like a sponge. It is particularly firm and compact in certain places, and very porous in others. The lightweight construction industry is especially interested in copying this construction method.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research therefore developed a simulation program that calculates the internal structure and density distribution of the bone material. From this, the scientists were able to derive the material structure for other components. The program simulates how the structure needs to be built in order to meet the specified requirements.
The researchers have now managed to put these simulations successfully into practice. Engineers can produce complex components with the aid of rapid prototyping technology. This involves coating a surface with wafer-thin layers of special metal powder. A laser beam heats – or sinters – the powdered metal in the exact places that need to be firm. “It’s like baking a cake,” says Andreas Burblies, spokesman for the Fraunhofer Numerical Simulation of Products, Processes Alliance. Any remaining loose powder is subsequently removed.
“The end product is an open-pored element,” explains Burblies. “Each point possesses exactly the right density and thus also a certain stability.” The method allows the engineers to produce particularly lightweight components – customized for each application – that are also extremely robust. In the meantime, the researchers have further enhanced the process to the point where they can actually change the internal structure of the parts after production by means of precision drilling.
“We can manufacture and adapt the parts exactly as required,” says Burblies. This makes the technique very attractive to a number of industries, among them the manufacturers of bone implants. It is easy to produce individual implants with an internal structure that resembles the patient’s bone. Metal powders made of biomaterials such as titanium and steel alloys make it possible to reconstruct other bone elements, such as parts of the knee. And it goes without saying that the lightweight construction industry, especially aircraft, automobile and machine manufacturers, all benefit from the robust workpieces, as they are better able to withstand stress of every kind. Less..
Added: Jul 11 2008 In: education
By: HAPPYSNAPPER 
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Bring it on. There are a lot of people that can use a new leg or arm or hand for that matter. I'm even sure that they can stretch the skin to cover the new bones. It would take awhile but I'm sure it can be done.
Posted Oct-1-2009 by "freedomcalls" (R)
This is more significant than might first appear. Making materials that the body will accept and which have the strength of natural bone is very difficult. This will enable the simple treatment of many cases where there has been significant bone damage such as auto accidents.
This was my dad's life work and his claim to fame was developing a cement that allowed artificial hip joints to become practical.
Posted Jul-11-2008 by "TrulyMorbid" (R)
This was my dad's life work and his claim to fame was developing a cement that allowed artificial hip joints to become practical.
so, your father invented methyl methacrylate? or just its application as bone cement?
Posted Jul-11-2008 by "Punch_The_Monkey" (R)
This was my dad's life work and his claim to fame was developing a cement that allowed artificial hip joints to become practical.
so, your father invented methyl methacrylate? or just its application as bone cement?
Invented.
He received the Order of Canada last year for this and his other work.
And how, prey tell, do you know about this?
Posted Jul-11-2008 by "TrulyMorbid" (R)
This was my dad's life work and his claim to fame was developing a cement that allowed artificial hip joints to become practical.
so, your father invented methyl methacrylate? or just its application as bone cement?
Actually doing some looking up it may have just been the latter. I recall my dad talking about what he did but they was ages ago.
I do know he recommended the use of MMA to John Charnley and they worked together to perfect the use as applied to hip joints.
Posted Jul-12-2008 by "TrulyMorbid" (R)