Research on 3D Printing of Metal Medical Implants at PTE
A modern technológia folyamatosan új lehetőségeket teremt az orvosi eszközök és implantátumok előállításában. A hagyományos gyártási módszerek, mint az öntés és a felületi megmunkálás, mellett egy új, forradalmi megoldás kezd teret hódítani: a 3D nyomtatás. Ez a technológia nem csupán a gyártás hatékonyságát növelheti, hanem a költségeket és a gyártási időt is jelentősen csökkentheti. Az orvosi területen, ahol a precizitás és a megbízhatóság kulcsfontosságú, a 3D nyomtatás különösen ígéretes lehetőségeket kínál.
Innovative Solutions in Metal Printing
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Pécs, in collaboration with its 3D Center, is seeking new paths in the field of metal printing. The aim of the research is to develop innovative solutions by combining CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) technology with 3D printing, which will be available on the market in the future. These solutions may not only be more cost-effective but also enable faster manufacturing processes, thus contributing to the wider availability of medical implants.
The researchers have so far tested the technology underlying metal printing, which involved converting an old CNC milling machine. Preliminary experiments have confirmed that CMT technology is well-suited for the production of metal parts, prompting the team to begin building their own metal printer. Their goal is to create medical implants from biocompatible metals, such as titanium, which can be widely used in the future.
CMT Technology and 3D Printing: Innovation in Metal Processing
The CMT technology, used in various fields of mechanical engineering, when combined with 3D printing, could open new dimensions in the manufacturing of metal parts. Researchers have examined the printability and welding properties of aluminum, and the results show that this technology offers not only effective but also cost-efficient solutions. Through 3D printing, manufacturing time can be significantly shortened, and production costs can decrease, which is particularly important in the medical device market.
During the application of CMT technology, researchers continuously face new challenges, as the layered structure may cause the strength properties of the parts to differ from those of traditionally cast parts. The orientation of the layers has a significant impact on the mechanical properties, making load planning and process optimization essential. The introduction of this new technology could be particularly important for medical implants, where reliability and safety are crucial.
The goal of the research program is to fully exploit the advantages of CMT technology and to manufacture implants made from biocompatible materials in the future. The growing interest in medical applications allows for adjustments in the direction of the research, enabling the team to contribute to scientific development within the framework of Biomedical Engineering training. The University of Pécs is committed to supporting future medical solutions through the introduction of the latest technologies.
New Challenges in Printing Medical Metals
The next step in the research will be the printing of metals necessary for the manufacturing of medical devices and implants, particularly titanium. Titanium is extremely popular in medical applications due to its excellent strength properties and biocompatibility. However, printing titanium presents new challenges for researchers, as the melting point of the metal and other characteristics significantly affect the manufacturing process.
It is important to thoroughly investigate the strength properties of the printed parts, as the load-bearing capacity may differ from parts made using traditional manufacturing methods due to the layered structure. Researchers need to determine how the parts can be loaded and whether there are differences at the layer boundaries. Investigating mechanical properties and designing parts is a complex task, and researchers are continuously working on developing solutions.
The research team at the University of Pécs is committed to developing medical implants that are not only effective but also safe by utilizing the latest technologies and materials. The combination of CMT technology and 3D printing offers new opportunities for future medical solutions that can contribute to improving patients’ quality of life.
