Cranial implant (CMF)
Customized cranial implants can be produced using the Bond3D technology with less waste and faster times.
These parts can change your industry
Critical parts made from PEEK for the medical industry
PEEK medical devices are rapidly changing the medical devices landscape
The US aerospace industry first created polyetheretherketone, or PEEK, in the late 1970s after becoming interested in its high-temperature stability and subsequent potential for high-load, high-temperature applications. PEEK-OPTIMA, a highly pure and implantable grade of PEEK, was introduced to the market by Invibio Biomaterial Solutions in the late 1990s and quickly adopted by the medical device sector. Since that time, the use of medical-grade PEEK has multiplied.
Implantable PEEK is now widely used by medical device manufacturers to increase the biocompatibility of load-bearing implants. Compared to metal implants, it makes implants much more bone-friendly and is also much more compatible with diagnostic imaging.
In the 1980s, PEEK was first used in experimental medical devices. In the 1990s, clinical research led to widespread clinical acceptance, particularly in the area of spine implants. PEEK is steadily replacing current biomaterial standards in a variety of implant applications.
Medical grade PEEK
Today’s implantable PEEK polymers come in a variety of formulations, from unfilled grades with varying molecular weight to image-contrast and carbon fiber-reinforced grades. All are produced in accordance with strict quality standards and are supported by full raw material traceability. PEEK-OPTIMA, the first implantable unfilled PEEK polymer, was developed by Invibio Biomaterial Solutions in 1999. In 2007, image-contrast grades and carbon fiber-reinforced variants of the material (which offer significantly increased strength and stiffness) were introduced.
Benefits of using medical grade peek in medical implants and devices
There are several benefits to using medical-grade PEEK in medical implants and devices. Some of these benefits include:
- Biocompatibility: PEEK is a biocompatible material, which means that it is not toxic and does not cause adverse reactions in the body. This makes it an ideal material for use in medical implants and devices that will be in direct contact with living tissue.
- Mechanical strength: PEEK is a very strong material, and it has a high strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it ideal for use in medical implants and devices that need to be strong and lightweight, such as spinal implants or surgical instruments.
- High temperature resistance: PEEK can withstand high temperatures without losing its strength or structural integrity. This makes it suitable for use in medical devices that may be exposed to high temperatures during sterilization or other processes.
- Chemical resistance: PEEK is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including many common disinfectants and sterilization agents. This makes it a good choice for use in medical devices that may be exposed to chemicals during cleaning or sterilization.
How medical grade peek compares to other materials in the healthcare industry?
Medical-grade PEEK has several advantages over other materials commonly used in the healthcare industry.
- PEEK parts are biocompatible and do not cause adverse reactions in the body, which makes it a good choice for use in medical implants and devices that will be in direct contact with living tissue.
- PEEK medical parts have a high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it ideal for use in medical implants and devices that need to be strong and lightweight.
- PEEK can withstand high temperatures without losing its strength or structural integrity, which makes it suitable for use in medical devices that may be exposed to high temperatures during sterilization or other processes.
High Performing Polymers can be utilized in a broad range of markets
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