Smart Molding International 1-2023

46 smart_molding international 1/2023 materials Invibio launches implantable PEEK filament for 3D printing Invibio expands range of implantable-grade PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymer to include a filament that is optimised for fused filament additive manufacturing medical devices. I nvibio Biomaterial Solutions, part of Victrex plc, a pioneer in the devel- opment of PEEK biomaterial solu- tions, today announced the launch of PEEK-OPTIMA™ AM Filament, an implantable PEEK polymer that is opti- mized for additive manufacturing. Importantly, the launch of PEEK- OPTIMA™AMfilament by Invibiomakes available the trusted implantable- grade PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymer in a form specifically developed for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) additive manufacturing processes. The new PEEK-OPTIMA™ AM filament expands Invibio’s portfolio of biocompatible polymers, that are already available in forms including powders, granules and rods for processing methods including injection moulding. Additive manufacturing for medical devices Additive manufacturing offers a new way to develop parts at speed in a cost-efficient way, and with near- zero wastage. Additive manufacturing methods provide technical advantages, such as the ability to build complex geometries during fabrication and easily integrate several components into one part. In response to the growing trend for 3D-printed medical devices, the FDA has published technical guidance to medical device designers and manufacturers, and Invibio is able to support device OEMs with navigating regulatory pathways for PEEK-OPTIMA™ additive-manufactured devices. Patient benefits The additional format of PEEK- OPTIMA™ also enables hospital facilities to custom-make PEEK devices in-house, at the point of care, with FDM/FFF-compatible machines, which brings numerous advantages to patients and healthcare professionals, particularly in specialties such as CMF, which demand design precision and manufacture at speed. “Invibio’s new PEEK-OPTIMA™ AM filament has been launched to support medical device manufacturers as they assess the FFF/FDM route of additive manufacturing to help support the next generation of devices for a variety of demanding medical applications, such as CMF devices, spinal and orthopaedic implants,” says Dr John Devine, Medical Business Director at Invibio. He continues: “We are excited to be able to offer the industry a 3D-printable form of PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymer – a material that has already been implanted into more than 15 million patients worldwide. As 3D printing becomes a realistic option for developing medical devices and implants for a growing number of medical device manufacturers and hospitals, the industry must now select high quality, high- performance biomaterials to enable commercialization of the next generation of medical devices.” PEEK-OPTIMA™ LT1 AM filament is a 1.75mm monofilament and is compatible with high-quality FDM/FFF machines, optimized for 3D printing of medical devices, and is available worldwide, directly from Invibio. 8-11 March 2023, the new PEEK- OPTIMA AM Filament was presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) in Las Vegas. About Invibio Invibio, part of the Victrex plc group of companies, is a global leader in providing high-performance biomaterial solutions to medical device manufacturers.  The company provides PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymers, advanced technical research and support and manufacturing of components for spine, trauma and orthopaedic and dental medical segments for the development of long-term implantable medical devices. Victrex www.victrex.com Picture: Victrex