Company insight
The Apium M220 helps build a better future
Germany-based 3D printer manufacturer Apium Additive Technologies GmbH prides itself on its printers and materials portfolio, which addresses medical applications including technical applications across multiple industries. The company’s products focus on the processing of high performance, technical and compounded thermoplastic polymers by using material extrusion technology. Apium Additive Technologies’ managing director Uwe Popp tells us a little about the M220 3D printer, the innovations the company boasts and how it can be a force for change in individualised patient care.
How does the M220 enable clients to custom manufacture? Uwe Popp: The M220, which meets ISO biocompatibility standards, is especially designed for medical products, addressing the obstacles to successfully incorporate biocompatible high performance thermoplastics such as PEEK into a medical product. The printer must be able to melt and solidify thermoplastic material, something we’re known for. It is also critical to process the material free of contamination and without changing the biocompatible nature of the polymer, and avoid organic and anorganic contaminants. Therefore, in all M220 3D printers processing components and the final product are of biocompatible materials. For the prevention of organic contamination, the M220 has an integrated filtered laminar airflow which blows off dust and bacteria during the process.
steps as stepper motors do. With a stepper motor, a shift in the layers or an offset can be introduced, resulting in a part flaw – this is not possible with servo motors. Our integrated camera means users can see the process as it is happening; the camera detects if parts detach and stops the print to avoid further damage and waste. A picture is made to show the part orientation after the print is finished, giving full part creation traceability in an after print report.
How have you ensured the system is fully compatible with Evonik materials? We worked with Evonik for a long time, researching a fitting PEEK type for medical products. Some PEEK types flow easier but have lower mechanical resistivity and vice versa. Together we identified the most suitable in terms of flow and mechanical properties.
“The main advantage of 3D printing implants where clinicians work is their stronger involvement in the implants patient-specific design.”
Can you tell us about the innovative manufacturing features? The higher the PEEK’s molecular weight, the higher the mechanical resistivity and viscosity, making it more difficult to print with it, hence requiring higher extruder forces. Our extruder is able to forward the material and apply the pressure needed to push the high molecular weight PEEK through smaller nozzles. When processing PEEK we must ensure efficiency, avoiding mistakes by using encoded servo motors, which do not lose
Although all thermoplastic materials can be used, the M220 is designed to avoid contaminations, gearing it towards biocompatible polymers. One could think of bioresorbable materials that dissolve in the body, but also a variety of products where thermoplastics are used, such as valves and gears for dialysis machines.
Which medical device classification is the M220 able to manufacture to? Products made on the M220 processing Evonik Vestakeep I4 3DF are Class III. You
Medical Device Developments /
www.nsmedicaldevices.com
can create permanent implants to the highest class possible, meaning all lower classes can be produced.
How do you support customers with regulatory compliance? We provide the necessary documentation to fulfil installation and operation qualification and support for the production qualification. To generate the medical products we can recommend different software, fully capable and tested to create medical products designs.
What benefits does this manufacturing process offer clinicians and medical professional? The main advantage of 3D printing implants where clinicians work is their stronger involvement in the implant’s patient-specific design. This means ideas can be directly translated into a design, obstacles and manufacturing limitations can be discussed and a solution can be found together. This means the implant arrives more quickly, reduces operation time and fits well with little to no adjustment, reducing the risk of infection or complication.
How do clients benefit from using this innovative technology? Every tool has its fitting application; for the M220 the best application is patient- specific implants in the cranio-maxillofacial area, for now. Production is faster and more cost efficient and easy to integrate work flow. A patient-specific implant offers fewer complications for patients, which benefits our customers’ reputations. ●
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