China-based orthopedic implant manufacturer AK Medical has been serving patients and medical experts for more than 10 years, in collaboration with GE Additive and using EBM (Electron Beam Melting) additive technology in 3D printing solutions. AK Medical made significant progress in orthopedic surgery due to this technology offering more special solutions compared to conventional production methods. As a result of continuous investment in research and development, the five metal 3D-printed orthopedic implants manufactured by AK Medical were certified by the NMPA and thus, AK Medical became the first NMPA approved company.
Chairman, CEO and Executive Director at AK Medical, Li Zhijiang stated that their aim was to serve both patients and medical experts. Zhijiang said that with their advanced products, they strived to make the treatment of orthopedic conditions more efficient and easier, while bringing about better outcomes and quicker recovery times to their patients. The company planned to expand its focus into other orthopedic areas beyond bone joints, and leverage 3D printing to create products for more applications. In parallel, Zhijiang and his teams stated that they would continue to improve product quality and efficiency.
EBM technology offers a remarkable solution to the problems of conventional production. When a conventionally manufactured orthopedic implant is inserted in patient, they may need to make an incision into the patient’s bone to adapt to the prosthesis if it doesn’t match well, which can lead to a loss of bone tissue. This problem is eliminated due to the implants manufactured specifically for the bone structure of the patient using EBM technology. In implants manufactured with this method, the trabecular structure is built directly into the part and this leads to increased levels of integration between the implant and bone. Metal additive technology provides greater flexibility by using metal powder to construct orthopedic implants through layered manufacturing and layer-by-layer stacking, thus significantly streamlines the manufacturing process. Responding to more specific needs than conventional production methods; EBM additive technology also helps manufacturers reduce lead times and improve customer experience.
EBM technology reduced cost on average by 38%
The EBM process uses an electron beam to melt the metal powder; layer by layer to generate high-precision, fully dense parts. This production method makes it particularly suitable for the small-batch production of complex orthopedic implants. Producing parts in a vacuum environment, EBM provides high melting efficiency; allows for stacking, and reduces the need for post-heat treatment. This provides considerably improved cost efficiency. EBM technology provides the ability to save the cost of an acetabular cup on average by 38%; when compared to other additive technologies. Orthopedic implants produced with EBM technology perform really well; offering porous structures that are similar to those of regular bone tissue; provides advanced osseointegration (structural and functional connection between living tissue and implant surface).
AK Medical has been working with GE Additive for over 10 years
Stating that they had used EBM technology for more than a decade; Zhijiang told that thus when they recently had needed to invest in new machines; they naturally had chosen the Q10plus. Zhijiang said “The Q10plus system provides a user-friendly interface, a higher precision of processing, and better-quality products. It helps us improve the cost efficiency of both standard production and small-scale customized production”; and continued his words as follows; “GE Additive’s highly professional service team provides excellent technical support and process control; assuring us of high production efficiency and product quality. Some of the equipment we acquired back in 2009 is now more than ten years old; and it is still running well. We trust GE, and that is why we choose them over and over again.”