Link3D enables Argentinian orthopaedic implant maker’s first step into metal AM

February 21, 2018

Link3D enables Argentinian orthopaedic implant maker’s first step into metal 3D printing

Imeco’s first AM hip replacement was developed for a patient with a special medical condition (Courtesy Link3D)

 

Argentinian orthopaedic implant company Imeco S.A. reports that it has recently installed its first metal additively manufactured hip replacement. The company first discovered the potential of metal AM orthopaedic implants at a 2014 US trade show, but stated that it didn’t begin actively pursuing the technology until roughly six months before completing its first implant.

This first AM hip replacement by the company was developed for a patient with a special medical condition. According to Imeco, 10-15% of all orthopaedic conditions could benefit from additively manufactured implants. However, the cost of metal AM technologies and the knowledge gap between conventional medical manufacturing and medical Additive Manufacturing pose significant obstacles for some smaller medical companies.

Dr Santiago Pierce, Imeco’s Head of R&D, explains, “Even though we have a lot of articular orthopaedic design experiences for special conditions, we don’t have partners to teach us 3D printing and manufacturing. It is not cost-effective to purchase machines worth upwards of $1-2 million dollars when we are at an experimental phase.”

 

Link3D enables Argentinian orthopaedic implant maker’s first step into metal 3D printing

The final metal additively manufactured hip implant was produced by CEIT-Ke, Slovakia (Courtesy Link3D)

 

The ideal solution, therefore, was to outsource the project to an Additive Manufacturing service provider. Having spoken with Link3D representative Christian Rice, Imeco was subsequently able to use Link3D’s On Demand™, a secure platform which enables its users to search and connect with a global network of Additive Manufacturing solutions providers, to compare qualified and certified service bureaus for the AM of medical implants.

Through the On Demand platform, Dr Pierce made contact with CEIT-Ke, a biomedical engineering service bureau based in Slovakia. “Besides a competitive price, it was Bruno [Goban, CEIT-Ke representative]’s responsiveness and complete breadth of knowledge on the subject matter.”

“Link3D provided Imeco with exactly what we needed to propel forward with 3D printing,” he added. “To complete such a surgery is a great success because it truly symbolises a massive shift from forty years of traditional medical manufacturing – like CNC and forging – to the era of Additive Manufacturing.”

www.link3d.co

www.imeco.com.ar

www.ceit-ke.sk

 

2022 Winter Metal AM

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • What happens when you take the powder out of AM? Charting the rise of wire-based DED with WAAM3D
  • Smart sensor-integrated parts by AM: A look at a novel possibility with industrial applications
  • Tailored materials for AM: How a 'powder kit' can achieve greater material diversity with fewer resources in PBF-LB
  • QuesTek's ICMD: Faster, cheaper, and better alloy development for Additive Manufacturing
  • NanoAL: Alloy development on an open parameter PBF-LB machine, from installation through to Rapid Alloy Screening
  • Using the Six Sigma method to optimise metal powder spreading in PBF-LB
  • Insights from R&D to part production: How CT analysis can advance metal Binder Jetting
  • Corrosion and wear resistence of materials processed by beam-based AM technologies

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

News from the industry…

    News from the industry…

    Discover our magazine archive…

    The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

    • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
    • Articles on technology and application trends
    • Information on materials developments
    • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
    • International industry news

    All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

    Browse the archive

    Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

    Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

    • AM machines
    • Process monitoring & calibration
    • Heat treatment & sintering
    • HIP systems & services
    • Pre- & post-processing technology
    • Powders, powder production and analysis
    • Part manufacturers
    • Consulting, training & market data
    Download PDF
    Share via
    Copy link
    Powered by Social Snap