{"id":7747,"date":"2021-09-20T10:42:52","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T08:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bone3d.com\/?post_type=blog&p=7747"},"modified":"2022-08-03T17:13:02","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T15:13:02","slug":"how-will-proximity-titanium-3d-printing-revolutionize-healthcare","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/bone3d.com\/en\/blog\/how-will-proximity-titanium-3d-printing-revolutionize-healthcare\/","title":{"rendered":"How can titanium 3D printing revolutionize healthcare?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This summer’s acquisition of a new SLM280 (Selected Laser Melting) titanium machine from SLM solutions is an opportunity for us to revisit the benefits of this advanced technology. Titanium 3D printing is recognized as an additive manufacturing process that promotes excellent mechanical properties<\/a> for healthcare applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, despite its advantages, the use of titanium 3D printing can present some constraints on its use: the regulatory requirements for titanium medical devices are considerable and the lead times associated with the production\/delivery of a titanium printed part can be excessive (up to 5 weeks for often urgent needs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article we share with you the process of this technology, its value, especially in healthcare, and its development potential for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information, feel free to check out our other article<\/a> on the various 3D printing technologies in healthcare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SLM280
SLM280 machine from SLM Solutions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Titanium 3D printing, why ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Titanium 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology widely used in many industrial sectors (aeronautics, space, industry, etc..). It is chosen in particular for its robustness and the complexity of the part design it enables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the healthcare field the use of pure titanium<\/a> (grade 2) is ideal and has already demonstrated excellent results<\/a> in biocompatibility. This material is strong, light and has  interesting mechanical properties that facilitate its bio-integration in the human body, indeed, titanium is osteoconductive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, few machines on the market work with pure titanium like our SLM280. Yet its advantages are not negligible: greater corrosion resistance and the best possible biocompatibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, many use other alloys, often cheaper to produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does a SLM machine work ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SLM operation: what constraints ?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

SLM technology is an additive manufacturing process based on the principle of metal powder fusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The atomized powder (extremely fine and fluid) is highly explosive and can ignite on contact with air. To avoid this type of situation, the machine is always under a 98%+ argon environment. To ensure the safety of the production technicians (argon is a noble gas naturally present in the atmosphere, but in large quantities it can asphyxiate), an argon detector is present in the room and starts to beep if the amount of oxygen in the air becomes too low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does titanium 3D printing work ?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n