Technology

Manufacturing

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Technologies adopted by AMED are:

1. Selective Laser Melting (SLM), by means an high energy - produced from a laser source - melts metallic powder, according to geometrical data contained in a 3D computer aided design (CAD) file, which is sliced into layers with a defined thickness. Melted powder solidifies as it cools. SLM machine works depositing the raw material in a layer-by-layer manner, until the required part is completely finished. SLM process uses supports in order to reinforce hangovers of the parts and to stick the design to the job tray. The support will be removed manually after cooling.
AMED uses Print Sharp 150, a cutting edge machine which allows the creation of complex geometries thanks to a precision of a single line width of 0.1mm and a minimum layer thickness of 0.02mm.

2. Digital Light Processing (DLP), a 3D printing technology to produce photopolymer parts, by using a projected light source to cure the resin into a solid layer by layer, therefore creating a three-dimensional structure. AMED uses EnvisionTEC ONE 3D printer, which delivers production-quality design prototypes and end-use products with very smooth surfaces.

Design

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The workflow, which AMED applied to realize custom made products, guarantees short delivery time thanks to the modern technologies adopted.
Design of custom implants requires a close collaboration between AMED and surgeon. DICOM images obtained from patient’s CT scan are necessary to obtain the virtual model of the internal structure of the body. AMED provides the surgeon with a CT scan protocol, including an appropriate CT scan parameters setting and examples for correct imaging of different regions of interests. DICOM images are then processed to create the 3d anatomical model and the implant model is created making use of the computer-aided-design software, Solidworks®, by mirroring, if possible, the healthy body side, to ensure optimal aestethics of prostheses, especially cranio-maxillofacial prostheses.
After surgeon approved implant design, final CAD model is then converted into stereolithography (STL) format for printing. The manufactured part is then subjected to an accurate quality control in order to verify that its dimensions differ from 3D designed model according to a defined tolerance range.
The above strategies are pursued to ensure the best aesthetic as well as performant result of custom-made implants.