Related posts

• How to Make Social Media and Email Marketing Work Together (Updated for 2018)
• Top SEO Marketing Tactics to Reach the Mobile-First Generation

As implants continue to be a challenge for dental patients, researchers from Taiwan are experimenting with better ways to accommodate bone defects after failed implants must be removed. Results of their study are outlined in ‘3D laser-printed porous Ti₆Al₄V dental implants for compromised bone support.’

Lack of suitable and supporting alveolar bone is a common issue for dental patients with failed implants, and especially those who have developed inflammation with peri-implantitis. Defects may cause less attachment and bone regeneration, along with decreased clinical improvement. With bone tissue engineering via bioprinting (here, Bio-ActiveITRIdental implants were fabricated on the EOSINT M 280 system) the authors foresee a range of new possibilities for patients through the ability to create tissue scaffolds with features like:

• Internal architecture
• Porosity
• Interconnectivity
• Patient-specific dimensions

Procedures of animal experiment. Osteotomy defect (T-shaped; 7.5 mm (D)7.0 mm (L) on the top and 3.5 mm(D)3.0 mm (L) at the bottom) was prepared at the lateral aspect of distal femoral condyle of New Zealand white rabbit. Either side was randomly inserted with the NobelActiveäimplants (control group) or the Bio-ActiveITRIdental implants (ITRI group). At 4,8 and 12 weeks after the implant insertion, animals were sacrificed by injection of pentobarbital.

Implants were tested on rabbits, with the specimens available both for X-ray and CT assessment, along with biomechanical analysis. Bone ingrowth was tested at different implant locations, with each area evaluated. Biomechanical testing exhibited the effect the histologic responses on implants, along with ‘progressive increase’ in strength as related to bone growth, along with mineralization and maturation of the engineered tissue. Implants with a rougher surface tended to show better osseointegration, compared to the control group samples with smoother surfaces.

Micro-CT analysis. Radiographs of the distal part of the femur were taken with its orientation both perpendicular andparallel to the long axis of the long axis of implant and then the subjects were positioned in the in micro-CT scanner in a cra-niocaudal orientation with suitable stabilization. Datasets were reconstructed using CTvox 2.4 software. The tissue volume (TV:mm3), bone volume (BV: mm3), percent of bone volume (BV/TV: %), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th: mm), trabecular separation(Tb.Sp: mm), Total porosity [Po(tot): %], ratio of the segmented bone surface to the total volume of the region of interests (bonesurface/tissue volume; i.e., bone surface density), and interface surface were analyzed; while results of bone mineral density(BMD) was expressed in mg/cm3.

Stiffness occurred because of the powder sintering technique—also responsible for creating a network of porous structures. Both compression and fatigue tests also demonstrated suitable properties, allowing the research team to compromise between mechanical properties and pore interconnectivity. By enlarging pore width at the nanoscale, the authors were also able to increase bioactivity features as well as accelerating osseogenesis. Surface roughness remained the same.

“Although fabricating Ti alloy dental implants with defined porous scaffold structure is a promising strategy for improving the osseoinduction of implants, in a study using laser beam melting 3D printing technique to fabricate  porous  Ti6Al4V  dental  implant  with  three controlled pore sizes (200, 350 and 500mm), the 350 and500mm pore-sized implants demonstrate a better biocompatibility in terms of cell growth, migration and adhesion,” concluded the researchers. “The pore size of 350mm provides an optimal provides an optimal potential for improving the mechanical shielding to the surrounding bones and osseoinduction of the implant itself.

“Further study on the effect of different pore size and porosity without sacrificing their mechanical property is mandatory to optimize the clinical outcome.”

Gross morphology analysis. Control sample (three lower pictures of the left panel) showed fibrous tissue proliferationaround the coronal region of the implants with no secure fixation between the implant and the surrounding bony tissue. Experi-mental ITRI sample (two pictures of the left panel and pictures of right two panels) exhibited active bony proliferation andpenetration of new bone into the porous structures of implants. BarZ4.3 mm in control pictures; BarZ8.1 mm in experimentalpictures.

Bone regeneration continues to be a source of challenge for medical researchers, spanning numerous areas of medicine. In 3D printing the hope is that with patient-specific cells, better sustainability is possible. And while dental implants are important for so many patients today, a wide range of 3D printed implants have been created for the sustainability of bone, from the use of nanofibers with tubes to porous metallic biomaterials, and even titanium alloys.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

[Source / Images: ‘

’]

International researchers explore the role of additive manufacturing for geometrical measurements, along with current requirements and the potential for future research. Their findings are outlined in ‘Geometrical Metrology for metal additive manufacturing,’ as the researchers explain what an impact 3D printing and AM processes will continue to have in the world of manufacturing, including everyone from the DIY user with a workshop in the garage, to those running enormous factories.

Geometric metrology benefits from 3D printing technology due to latitude in the creation of more complex geometries—with impressive impacts being seen already despite the relative youth of AM. While conventional techniques still rule the manufacturing world, AM continues to show greater promise.

“AM does not currently have the benefit of the over one hundred years of research into the production of components that is the hallmark of precision subtractive techniques,” state the researchers. “The following reasons to measure part geometry remind us why so much effort is devoted to measuring manufactured components – all of these also apply to AM, although in many cases, AM can avoid assembly processes.”

An embodiment of additive manufacturing dated 1972. Metal powder (2) delivery into an energy source/s (7/7a) to create a part (15) built from a baseplate (1)

Further benefits include:

• Better control of manufacturing processes
• Greater efficiency in production time
• Less waste
• Improved energy efficiency

Along with that, the researchers list the following identified ‘medium to high priority standardization gaps:’

• Application-specific design rules and guidelines (high).
• Design guide for surface finish capabilities (medium).
• Technical data package addressing form/fit and qualification requirements (high).
• Dimensioning and tolerancing requirements (high).
• Measurement of AM features such as lattices (medium).
• Protocols for image accuracy (medium).
• Dimensional metrology of internal features (medium).

Geometric tolerancing is ‘critical,’ in terms of inspections, and the researchers present concerns regarding AM design content with existing standards and the presence of features like lattices and cellular materials—along with customized textures and graded parts. Other research efforts have focused on meeting some of the challenges presented in both pre- and post-processing, along with efforts to produce smoother surfaces and avoid systematic errors, occlusions, and other issues.

Standards framework agreed by ASTM and ISO for future development of additive manufacturing standards

Research is underway to both maximize object coverage whilst at the same time minimizing both measuring time and the amount of manual intervention in the measurement planning. Integrating methods from artificial intelligence into the measurement process is showing promise but requires much more research into measurement automation, versatility, and traceability,” concluded the researchers.

“There are evidently significant challenges ahead, but also room for growth, for the measurement technologies and systems dedicated to in-process metrology for AM.”

Example lattice structures in a range of lightweight part designs. (a) shows a cross-section through an AM part with an internal repeating cellular structure, (b) shows a tetrahedral lattice conforming to a complex shape (in this case a component for a commercial airliner), and (c) shows a lattice structure in a topology optimized part featuring internal routing channels for structural health monitoring

And although 3D printing and metrology may sound like a more complex mix than some research and development entails today, other companies are instilling additive manufacturing processes in their companies with great success, as well as consulting with others on critical projects like 3D scanning and preserving historical items, creating comprehensive metrology labs, and further examining effectiveness.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

[Source / Images: ‘

’]

In ‘Evaluation of Local Tissue Reaction After the Application of a 3D Printed Novel Holdfast Device for Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion,’ researchers from Poland begin to experiment even further with 3D printed devices for assistance in cardiac procedures. Here, they experiment with the use of a new holdfast device meant ultimately to help eliminate chances of ischemic stroke. Employing the benefits of SLS 3D printing—with the capabilities to use versatile materials with even greater affordability—the researchers evaluated the results of their new device, implanting the devices in a group of 30 swine.

A macroscopic view of the left atrial appendage (LAA) closed with the holdfast device in group II (one tube coated with vascular implant). (a) The inner surface of the left atrium (LA) and (b) the intersection through the area of a holdfast device is shown. (a) Black arrows indicate the line of atrial wall adhesion placed between tubes of holdfast device. (b) The white arrow indicates the tube of holdfast device without and black arrow with a vascular implant. Red square indicates area showed in Fig. 8. MV mitral valve, LV left ventricle.

A finger-like extension of the left atrium, the left atrial appendage is a non-functional part of the left atrium. It happens to be a ‘prime cardiac site’ for thrombus formation, affecting patients with atrial fibrillation more commonly. And while treatment with antithrombotic treatment is widespread, here, the researchers investigate a more comprehensive approach in ‘obliterating the LAA.’ The use of holdfast devices, while effective, has been fraught with disadvantages, from issues with blood leakage to post-insertion adjustments, and lack of flexibility for modifications.

Microscopic view of the intersection through a holdfast device coated with a vascular implant used in group II. (a) Cross section through the device and the area between tubes of the holdfast device in group II. The the upper tube (*) was not coated with vascular implant and polyamide powder could be seen with an area of cicatrization. The lower tube (triangle) is coated with vascular implant and significant chronic inflammatory infiltrate is visible. (b) Higher magnification of the studied area with visible large number of giant cells.

“Considering the advantages and disadvantages of the available LAA closure devices, we designed a novel holdfast device for LAA obliteration devoid of these shortcomings,” stated the researchers.

The study allowed the researchers to further test biocompatibility, along with observing post-implementation issues. The device was created in partnership with the Technical University of Gdańsk, Poland, made up of two tubes connected with an elastic bow.

“The concept of operation for the device was based on the idea that the tubes would press the LAA base, which would lead to its closure and occlude the connection between the LAA and left atrium,” stated the researchers. “Moreover, the intention was that the device could be freely positioned around the LAA and could be easily adjusted after implantation.”

Their goal was to create a low stiffness spring with a ‘highly degressive characteristic of the device.’ They were able to do this through their choice of material and through shifting the bow crossection axis, with the devices implanted into the two swine groups. Safety and biocompatibility were noted, along with biofunctionality.

There were no perioperative deaths, and LAA occlusions occurred in all the swine.

“The foreign body reaction of the LAA holdfast device made of polyamide powder was found to be at a statistically insignificant level and was lower when compared to the polyester graft. Our device fulfills the criteria of biocompatibility to the highest degree, which makes it a suitable material for manufacturing LAA holdfast devices,” concluded the researchers. “This study proves that our technology may be applied for quick, innovative and individualized production of medical implants. “

3D printing has made huge strides in the medical realm, and definitely within the area of cardiac medicine, from cardiac patches to catheter devices, and even patient-specific heart valves models. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

Column charts showing comparison of histological data between study groups.

[Source / Images: ‘

]

A trio of researchers from UC Berkeley and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology recently published a paper, titled “Mechatronics Enabling Kit for 3D Printed Hand Prosthesis,” about how they worked to integrate wearable sensors and affordable robotics with 3D printing in order to “enable accessibility” in the power prosthesis sector. Tat Hang Wong, Davide Asnaghi, and Suk Wai Winnie Leung used their mechatronic product platform, Sparthan, for their research.

The abstract reads, “Sparthan leverages 3rd party EMG sensors, Myo armband, to process muscles sensor data and translate user intention into hand movements. Key innovation includes the modularity, scalability and high degree of customization the solution affords to the target users. User-centered design approaches and mechatronic system design are detailed to demonstrate the versatility of integrative systems and design. What started off as an engineering research endeavor is also positioned to be deployed to deliver real-world impact, especially for prosthesis users in developing countries.”

Due to multiple advance in computational and neuroscience approaches, the landscape for smart devices designed to serve disabilities related to mobility has changed significantly. While the project originally stemmed from a student innovation initiative, the team thinks their solution will be beneficial for adult, children, and the elderly in need of hand prostheses in developing countries.

Market Gap filled by Sparthan

Most powered prostheses that enable basic motions are not cheap, which is tough when children grow out of them so quickly. The researchers detailed a few other organizations working to develop better prosthetic solutions, such as e-NABLE, UC Berkeley’s Million Hands project, and Open Bionics.

“Market research shows a gap in the market for a solution that provides affordable and accessible prosthesis,” the researchers wrote.

“Low cost and accessibility, however, are not sufficient to create meaningful impact in a scalable and adaptable fashion. Within this project, we employ lean product development cycle, machine learning for gesture recognition, and adaptive model-based control to deploy the first version of Sparthan.”

Simplified QFD prioritization of Sparthan’s Product Features

They performed market research in Beijing, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Seoul, and determined the most important user needs for a prosthetic hand are its appearance, durability, functionality, and weight. Then, the researchers used a Kano model and simplified QFD to expand upon some important requirements, which are detailed in the table below.

The people surveyed kept mentioning the same pain point – that their prostheses were uncomfortable and difficult to fit. So the Sparthan researchers worked hard to make sure that their product was more accessible to end users, with easier design requirements such as:

• compatibility with existing 3D hand models through multiple versions
• easy installation procedures, including video tutorials and snap-on mechanism
• intuitive UI interface for app-based DIY processes, like gesture mapping and 3D scanning

The Sparthan is compatible with all existing 3D models that are based on flexible joints printing, and EMG signals from the patient’s forearm are utilized for the UI.

“Muscles and tendons are still present in the forearm either in the event of an amputation or in the case of a congenital malformation,” the researchers explained. “These leftover muscles can be contracted and controlled directly by the patient, providing an intuitive and fast way to interact with the prosthetic hand.”

The palm contains a micro controller unit, which processes the signals and determines when a certain gesture is performed; embedded micro electric motors are used to actuate the corresponding fingers.

The mechanical system of a Sparthan-equipped prosthetic hand has two main sections – the polycarbonate module, which allows for myoelectric control of the 3D printed prosthetic hands, and the hand itself. The piece of string in the prosthetic is guided by hollow paths routed through the module housing. The module can be made via 3D printing, or by stacking laser cut plastic sheets.

Flexy Hand 2

“The Sparthan module is designed in a way such that it can be easily fitted into 3D printable prosthetic hand models with simple modifications,” the researchers wrote. “Using an additive manufacturing method such as 3D printing presents multiple advantages for designing prosthetic devices, especially with regards to customization. Comfort and fit are key factors for any prosthesis, and due to the high degree of customization required it is inherently hard to mass manufacture these devices with traditional methods.”

The team modeled its first Sparthan-ready prosthetic hand after the Flexy Hand 2 model. The finger joints were 3D printed with a flexible filament, so that they can move easily back into place after the motors flex them out.

What sets the Sparthan apart from other 3D printed prosthetic hands is its ability to use motors to control finger movement. The device uses a commercially available Myo armband by Thalmic Labs to record and transmit eight different EMG signals along the forearm, and the team designed a custom PCB to receive and process the data through a Bluetooth module.

Myo armband

A smartphone app with a camera is used to create an accurate 3D model of the user’s hand and arm, and is later sent to be 3D printed at a location close to the actual user.

“Partnering with makerspaces and schools enables Sparthan to take full advantage of the already existing network of 3D printers,” the researchers explained. “The electronics are designed to be plug-and-play, meaning that once the hand is printed it’s just a matter of snapping the module we will ship in place. The goal is to maximize opportunities for end users to be involved in the fitting process via online tools.”

Sparthan App for scanning hand for rehabilitative application

This year, the team plans to introduce its Sparthan kit to stakeholders (prosthetic users, medical rehabilitation units, etc.) for beta testing. Additionally, the researchers have formed partnerships with the Million Hands project and “local NGOs grant-based social impact deployment” in order to open up more project opportunities.

“The fine tuning of system modelling and adaptive control will be done in tandem to better the overall user on boarding experience,” the researchers concluded. “Finally, we also look to employing the mechatronic enabling kit concept to other applications beyond 3D printed hand prosthesis; e.g. motorization of lightweight exoskeleton.”

Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below. 

Researchers are getting even more in-depth with the study of materials and 3D printing with metal in the recently published, ‘Activated Carbon in the Third Dimension—3D Printing of a Tuned Porous Carbon.’ Seeking to create hierarchically structured porous carbons, the team of scientists from Technische Universität Darmstadt experimented with SLA 3D printing to create a new form of mechanically stable structures.

Schematic overview of the 3D printing process, starting from the liquid photoresin, then producing a porous polymer open cell structure (tetragonal unit cell) by stereolithographic 3D print and subsequent extraction of the porogen phase, finally yielding an activated carbon open cell structure upon a thermal treatment consisting of stabilization in air, pyrolysis in nitrogen and activation in CO2.

Usually obtained in the form of powder, carbons may be classic black, activated, or nanomaterial. Often though, conductivity levels in these types of powder are low—causing ohmic losses and more constricted functionality for applications where more high surface area carbons are useful, such as:

• Electrical
• Solar energy conversion
• Energy storage
• Gas separation
• Storage
• Waste-water treatment

The scientists expect that disadvantages with carbon materials can be overcome with the use of structures like monoliths, foams, and ‘regular open cellular structures.’ For structures requiring flexibility, on the other hand, other techniques can be employed like electron or laser melting, SLA, FFF 3D printing, and more. Previously, direct ink writing has shown great potential with graphene, but to improve control regarding porosity issues, the researchers endeavored to tune structures ‘on several scales.’

Printing a macroscopic structure, the researchers performed several steps, beginning with SLA 3D printing to control the part, while adding liquid porogen to cause phase separation and form a template. Once that is extracted, the polymer is stabilized with oxygen curing and then the final step of being pyrolyzed.

“In the final CO₂ activation, the microporosity of the resulting carbon structure can be increased,” stated the researchers.

A) IR Spectra of photoresins containing 50% DEP as porogen and either 50% DVB, 50% PETA, or 25% DVB plus 25% PETA, after different illumination times in the 3D printer; B) Conversion of aromatic and acrylic vinyl groups as a function of illumination time in the 3D printer for the homopolymerizations of DVB or PETA and the copolymerization of DVB and PETA together with 50 vol% DEP as porogen.

As the polymer is converted to carbon, the initial shape should still be maintained. The research team states that first a suitable monomer must be found. In this study, the three different monomers originally used were not suitable for the ‘envisioned synthesis strategy,’ however, a co-polymer made up of both an acrylate-based monomer and an aromatic monomer, yielded ‘synergistic effects.’

It was critical in the study, and resulting process, that copolymerization occur during photopolymerization—from within the SLA 3D printer, representing the only route for the slow-reacting DVB to be integrated. The researchers also stated that within this research they were not seeking parallel homopolymerization as it would separate the polymers and cause negative repercussions during pyrolysis.

“This new and flexible approach to hierarchically structured carbon materials paves the way to identifying and applying optimized carbon materials in various applications,” stated the researchers. “Applications in which the connected structure can be leveraged, e.g., due to higher electrical or thermal conductivity, stand to benefit: computer optimized electrodes in electrochemical applications are a very promising field.”

While researchers for this study may have delved into more complex ways to create structures from carbon, many other uses have been discovered too, from carbon nanotube inks to carbon fiber composites, and even shape memory composites. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

A,B) SEM images of a carbon spiral that was 3D printed with a dye concentration of 0.8 mg mL−1 and a layer thickness of 20 µm; C) Carbon open‐cell structure based on a tetrahedral unit cell and 3D printed with a dye concentration of 0.4 mg mL−1 and a layer height of 100 µm supporting the weight of a 1.7 kg steel cylinder.

[Source / Images: ‘

’]

If you had any questions regarding a potential slow down in 3D printing or additive manufacturing endeavors around the world, industry leaders like GE Additive should put those to rest, evidenced by a momentum that just doesn’t quit. Now, they are announcing the opening of another facility dedicated to AM, at the Arcam EBM Center of Excellence in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Featuring 15,000 square meters, the new site is centered in the Mölnlycke Business Park, within the Härryda municipality, southeast of Gothenburg. Up to 500 employees are expected to be working at the center, offering three times as much floor space as their previous building in Mölndal—and housing all production, research and development, and training and support divisions in one place.

GE Additive will now be able to place an even stronger focus on lean manufacturing, maximizing operations and production capacity, along with inviting more of their customers to learn about and make the transition to serial manufacturing with Arcam EBM systems. The plan is to continue expanding their ‘footprint’ in manufacturing, along with increasing research and development in both Europe and the US.

Today, GE Additive is comprised of Arcam EBM, Concept Laser, and additive material provider AP&C. Their highly integrated team is made up of experts in additive manufacturing, offering advanced technology and materials—all encouraging the clients they work with to strive for innovation within their industries, focusing on:

• Solving manufacturing challenges
• Improving business outcomes
• Helping change the world for the better

“The Arcam EBM team in Gothenburg is energized to be in its new home—a dynamic, sustainable workplace—in a great location.  We will harness that energy and continue to research, innovate and drive EBM technology further,” said Karl Lindblom, general manager GE Additive Arcam EBM.

“Throughout, we have benefited immensely from GE’s experience and know-how in applying lean manufacturing. Customers joining our annual user group meeting next month will be the first to see our Center of Excellence—which we hope will become a focal point for the entire additive industry,” added Lindblom.

Both GE Additive and Arcam EBM continue to contribute innovations to both the 3D printing and additive manufacturing realm, from opening a variety of new facilities around the world to working with others in many projects, ranging from development of combat vehicles to 3D printed high fashion, and much more, including accelerating the industry with other partnerships.

Established in 1997, Arcam AB began working with EBM 3D printing technology and delivered their first system in 2003. Just acquired by GE Additive in 2017, they have made huge strides in strengthening their offerings with EBM, along with offering metal part production in volume—and a technology that promotes latitude in design, strong material properties, and stacking ability.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

The new Arcam EBM facility interior

[Source / Images: GE Additive]

While the medical field serves humans with a wide variety of new technologies and techniques, much of this is not lost on the veterinary aspect either; after all, animals also need nursing back to good health in many different scenarios. As a Great Hornbill at Jurong Bird Park was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the casque (or the bill), researchers and veterinarians in Singapore began working together to create an artificial replacement.

Outlining their findings in the recently published ‘The use of a 3D printed prosthesis in a Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) with squamous cell carcinoma of the casque,’ the authors explained how they offered a better quality of life to a 22-year-old male great hornbill as a portion of the bone of his beak was cancerous—a common affliction for such birds, with medical treatment usually proving to be ‘unrewarding.’

Upon deciding to excise the tissue (as there were no signs of the cancer having metastasized), the researchers went on to design and 3D print a customized surgical guide for the procedure and then a prosthesis—allowing the bird to go forth as comfortably and naturally as possible.

A: Sagittal image showing the mass, the destruction of the casque and the irregular soft tissue band extending up to the rostrodorsal aspect of the beak (the arrows indicate the plane sections of the images B, C, D, E and F); B: Transverse image at the level of the irregular band of abnormal soft tissue located dorsal to the beak (R: Right); C: Transverse image showing the destruction of the casque; D: Transverse image showing the amorphous appearance of the mass at its rostral aspect and the thickening of the nasal turbinates at the right ventral aspect of the mass; E: Transverse image showing the well-defined appearance of the mass at its caudal apsect; F: Dorsal image of the mass and casque.

Strategizing on how to treat the bird successfully, the researchers considered medications based on the squamous cell carcinoma noted in the biopsy, and then went on to consider how to deal with the size of the excision—realizing it would leave a large portion of the casque exposed. The team decided to fit the 3D printed prosthesis after excision, taking great care to create a design identical to the beak in order to avoid any effect on acoustic functionality of the casque area. Both the surgical guide and the prosthesis were created on an EOS P396 3D printer, with around 12 hours printing time required.

A: Surgical cutting guide; B: Prosthesis; C: Cutting guide on the testing model; D: Prosthesis on the testing model.

“To evaluate the fitting of the customized cutting guide and prosthesis, a replicated full dorsal maxillary beak and casque model which the area of the planned surgical margins was removed was 3D printed,” stated the researchers. “The testing demonstrated that the surgical cutting guide and the prosthesis matched the anatomy of the patient and the planned surgical margins were matched appropriately.”

As the procedure progressed, the guide was placed on the bird’s maxillary beak and casque and used to assist in removing the cancerous tissue. The 3D printed prosthetic was fixed in place with screws, and dental acrylic used as a sealant to eliminate any gaps. Surgery went smoothly, and the researchers were able to remove all cancerous tissue.

“Observation of this bird in his usual captive environment suggests that there is complete acceptance of the 3D printed prosthesis as part of its own body. This is evident from hornbill’s displaying natural coloration behavior, which coupled with the ability of the material used to take up biological pigments, enabled the prosthetic casque to appear similar in color and texture to the original rhinotheca,” concluded the researchers.

“Based on the outcome of this case, medical imaging and 3D printing can be considered a useful approach in the design and production of customized surgical cutting guides and prostheses in veterinary surgery. Collaboration between designers and veterinarians throughout the design process can result in a customized prosthesis which permits natural behaviors with good acceptance.”

As 3D printing sweeps through the medical realm offering widespread innovation and overwhelmingly positive impacts, digitally fabricated prosthetics are changing the lives of so many, and of all ages, but for many different species too—from dogs receiving 3D printed prosthetic legs to baby chicks, ducks, and even sheep. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

A: Anesthetised patient before receiving the surgery; B: The patient with the 3D printed surgical cutting guide; C: The tissue affected by carcinoma was removed; D: The 3D printed prosthesis was placed and secured using cortical screws to cover the surgical wound.

A: Dorsoventral view of the postoperative radiograph; B: Lateral view of the postoperative radiograph; C: The patient immediately after the surgery; D: The patient two months after the surgery.

[Source / Images: ‘

’]