3D Printer Fabricates New Titanium Jaw

8 Feb 12

An elderly woman has received a replacement titanium jaw that was fabricated using a 3D printer.

This break-through operation demonstrates the potential of patient-specific body implants. LayerWise, the Belgian company responsible for this achievement has stated that it produced the customised jaw using additive manufacturing, allowing them to take the CAD drawing of the patients jaw, then fabricate the item using 3D printing in a demonstration of how sophisticated additive manufacturing has become.

The method selectively heats metal powder particles with a laser to construct an object layer by layer. Using this method allowed LayerWise to create complex shapes that are custom made for patients and don't require glue or multiple parts.



"The new treatment method is a world premiere because it concerns the first patient-specific implant in replacement of the entire lower jaw," Professor Dr Jules Poukens, who was part of a team that worked on the implant, said in a statement.



The implant, which is coated with a bioceramic coating over the metal, is made with cavities to promote muscle and nerve attachment.

Additive Manufacturing will be on display at this years Austech Exhibition to held at the Sydney Showground between the 8th and 11th of May. Click Here to register.