Abstract:
In recent years, the production of customized medical implants through
additive manufacturing by the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing
in South Africa has grown significantly. While satisfactory results have
been obtained and the quality of life of many patients has been improved,
further research is required to enable the production of qualified components.
This paper shares the growing acceptance of additive manufacturing, as well
as the establishment of a South African Additive Manufacturing Strategy. An
overview of the progress made by the Collaborative Programme in Additive
Manufacturing is presented. The scope of the metals research performed towards
the qualification of additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V medical implants
is discussed. Examples are given of internationally leading work on
utilizing these implants, which were additively manufactured under an ISO
13485 system, in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. Lastly, the development
of an affordable polyurethane artificial heart valve is presented as a
different type of medical implant.
