ProtoCAM has done extensive work with prototypes for medical applications. A recent medical rapid prototyping project involved an orthopedic prototype for knee replacement. Previous knee replacement orthopedic prototypes had been created using ThermoJet printer, then later using laser sintering (SLS) and CastForm or DuraForm PS material.

In this case, ProtoCAM found a new use for an existing technology. Instead of using SLS, the knee replacement prototype was created by casting it using a stereolithography pattern and founder’s wax. While this is a less sophisticated and older technology, for this application it was a very good fit. The finish on the SLA pattern was very precise and detailed. The benefits to the customer were that the detailed finish was brought forward into the wax prototype that was later used in the investment casting process. Also, the cost of this prototyping process was lower.

Using this rapid prototyping process, the customer was able to identify areas of differential shrink in the final metal casting. That information was then used for the final metal molds that produced the production wax patterns.

ProtoCAM’s innovative use of an established technology helped streamline the rapid prototyping and product development process. For the customer, this cut their time to market by almost 1 year.

ProtoCAM has a very strong practice in many different types of medical rapid prototyping, as this knee replacement prototype demonstrates. ProtoCAM has done work in:

• Medical Device Rapid Prototyping
• Medical Stereolithography
• Rapid Prototype Physical Anatomical Parts
• Medical Model Prototypes

Labels: Medical Rapid Prototypes, Metal Prototypes, rapid prototyping