Manufacturer of 3D metal printers EOS is further expanding its materials portfolio and, consequently, expanding the reach of 3D printing into more and more aspects of our lives. With the company’s new EOS Titanium Ti64ELI and EOS StainlessSteel 316L materials, the company will be able to 3D print new medical-grade metal parts.
EOS Titanium Ti64ELI is a light metal alloy that is both corrosion resistant and biocompatible. Conforming to the chemical composition and mechanical property standards of ASTM F136, meaning that the alloy, with its high grade of purity, is suitable for 3D printing medical implants. The material is made specifically for use with the EOSINT M 280 (400 Watt) metal laser-sintering system.
The new EOS StainlessSteel 316L, also corrosion resistant and biocompatible, is meant for use with the EOSINT M 280 metal laser-sintering system. The stainless steel is highly ductile and has a chemical composition that corresponds with ASTM F138 (“Standard Specification for Wrought 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo Stainless Steel Bar and Wire for Surgical Implants UNS S31673)”. EOS states that the stainless steel alloy is ideal “for surgical instruments, for endoscopic surgery, orthopedics, and implants.” Additionally, the alloy may be used for industries outside of medicine, including watch and jewelry design. EOS specifically suggests that it may be used for 3D printing hollow stainless steel objects, such as watch cases, or for eyeglass frames. According to their press release, it may also be ideal for “functional elements in yachts” or for “clamping elements or heat exchangers” in the aerospace industry. Objects printed from the material can be post-processed and polished as necessary for a given field.
3D titanium printing was already used to help restore the facial structure of one patient in the UK. As more 3D printing processes and materials meet the international requirements around such high stakes industries as medicine, we’ll likely hear more stories about how 3D printing is used to save lives.
Source: EOS
