Adapters for surgical instrument
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lasertech LSH AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 114 900 |
| Project duration | February 2020 - December 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Competence centre |
Important results from the project
Is additive manufacturing a possible manufacturing method to produce components which are used in measurement systems in orthopedic surgery? Today, these are manufactured with CNC technology, which is both complicated and expensive. The details that have been printed out can replace the conventionally manufactured ones, but at a higher cost today.
Expected long term effects
The details produced with additive manufacturing had the expected mechanical properties. Some finishing was needed and will probably be needed even if the part is optimized even more for additive manufacturing. The material, Ti6Al4V, must withstand repeated steam sterilization cycles, however, nothing could be verified due to the covid-19 situation. The manufacturing method, together with post-processing, gives the details the accuracy required for the measuring system.
Approach and implementation
Before the production of the test details began, we got to see the existing files intended to be manufactured using conventional methods. We suggested changes that would make printing easier. This facilitated the printing process to some extent, but in retrospect we saw other things that could also have been changed. With these changes, the opportunity is greater to find a more cost-effective solution.