FossiLabs, a start-up company, engineers porous bone-like structures with PolyEther Ether Ketone (PEEK) using 3D printing Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process to enhance medical implant devices.
The company claims these FFF 3D printed fully porous PEEK bone-like structures within implantable devices are the first-of-its-kind.
Prior to this development, all other products have only had surface porosity or windows within defined layers, however, this news now makes it possible to 3D print solid or defined porous structures anywhere within the 3D space.
FossiLabs has developed proprietary hardware and software to make it possible to easily identify solid and controlled bone-like macroporsity regions within existing client models. Primarily for spacers and cages for the spine, desired bone growth areas can be defined, and 3D printed in PEEK.
Todd Reith, founder and president, FossiLabs commented: “Using 3D printing technology makes it possible to create a porous structure that would not be possible using traditional methods. The increased surface area and the full porosity encourage new bone on-growth and in-growth of the implant, leading to greater integration strength. Add HydroxyApatite (HA) nanocoating, now you have something unmatched in the industry.”
The organisation is currently looking for medical device companies to license its technology to enhance its existing static product lines and develop new high-performance products.