| Previously, BASF and Essentium Materials have collaborated to develop some new 3D printing materials. Now, the two companies are turning their attention to the more important thing: Prosthetics. It is reported that Essentium's subsidiary TriFusion Devices has been focusing on creating available prosthetic limbs. They are releasing what they call the strongest thermoplastic carbon fiber prosthesis. The easy-to-custom prosthesis is made of BASF's Ultramid polyamide, which is reinforced with short carbon fibers. It is both lightweight and tough, more flexible than traditional carbon fiber prostheses. The material allows as much as 2-3 mm Incremental fine-tuning, and will not weaken during the entire life cycle of the prosthesis, so as to adapt to changes in the patient's body.  "As a chemical supplier, we are very excited when our materials can achieve a brand-new development project and improve the quality of life of a certain class of people," said Scolut Oleksandra Korotchuk, BASF's High Performance Materials New Market Development Division. Carbon fiber reinforced polyamide gives strength to the prosthesis while ensuring a light and comfortable patient experience. ' BASF and Essentium use Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics as a validation partner. Clinic owner Chris Casteel is not only a A clinician and a manufacturing professional, and he also lost his leg, so he was a real expert when it comes to the suitability and function of the prosthesis. He has been testing TriFusion prostheses together with his patients, and to BASF and Essentium. Provides real-time feedback on improved 3D printing processes and material selection. According to the patient, prostheses are more suitable and more comfortable than traditional prostheses. "Like everything else, hearing such a product is one thing, but actually feeling and touching it is another matter,' Casteel said. 'We received very positive questions from patients about the 3D printed prosthesis test.' The feedback, its adaptability is incredible. This is a huge success for the prosthetic industry, and I look forward to seeing what will happen next. '3D printed prosthetic devices have not yet been administered by the FDA, but BASF and Essentium adhere to it Strict standards in the additive manufacturing guidelines published in December 2017. Each step of the 30-step manufacturing process is documented and the equipment needs to be manually examined before delivery to the clinician. Although the traditional carbon fiber artificial prostheses require approximately three days Time to shape and cast, 3D printed prosthesis from scan to delivery time less than 24 hours. '3D printing offers new possibilities for medical devices such as prostheses,' Korotchuk said. 'It increases patient customization and comfort, but it also saves production time and resource-intensive production processes, from scanning to shipping. Less than 24 hours. 'BASF and Essentium are studying the production of multi-material 3D printed prostheses with rigid and flexible TPU components. Soft prostheses will allow clinicians to incorporate soft materials into the design to increase the comfort of sensitive areas. The new prosthesis will be launched later this year. At the same time, the new 3D printed prosthesis will be exhibited at NPE 2018 in Orlando, Florida from May 7th to 11th. Blake Teipel, president and co-founder of Essentium and TriFusion, said: 'The materials used in these universal prostheses have the ability to provide people with more mobility and more freedom. As we promote the 3D printing of functional components, we are proud Provides patients with more personalized, lightweight, affordable and comfortable prosthetic limbs, and allows clinicians to obtain prosthetic limbs with a simpler, more efficient production process. Source: China 3D Printing Network |
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