GOLDEN, Colo., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Modeling LLC is today announcing its implementation of Electron Beam Melting (EBM), a rapid manufacturing process that creates fully dense, freeform shaped metal parts directly from digitally designed CAD files. Medical Modeling is now running the first ARCAM EBM machine in the Americas that will be focused on medical product manufacturing. The flexible manufacturing process allows for direct production of unbelievably complex designs in materials including titanium, titanium alloy and cobalt-chrome alloy.
Electron Beam Melting is a revolutionary technology developed by Swedish-based ARCAM for use in constructing complex, three-dimensional shapes. Using EBM technology fully dense parts are constructed in a number of commonly used metals found in aerospace and medical applications. "We are glad to work with Medical Modeling, the leader in custom prosthetic design. This first installation to a medical service bureau in the US is an important addition to fully explore the large possibilities in the quickly growing medical market," stated Magnus Rene, Managing Director, ARCAM AB (Gothenburg, Sweden).
Many of today's medical device products stem from digital designs, yet production of the resultant parts is typically carried out with more analog, or traditional, machining and manufacturing techniques. "We believe that use of EBM technology will allow many manufacturers of medical devices the ability to reduce or eliminate non-digital technologies in the process of taking a design to a fully functional metal part," stated Andy Christensen, Medical Modeling's president. Benefits of minimizing non-digital technologies include streamlined production times and less waste, translating into more cost and time efficient manufacturing.
Medical Modeling's core services enable surgeons to hold in their hands a replica of their patients' internal anatomy. These plastic models of the bone structure are used as a medium for realistic surgical planning, customization of treatment devices and detailed communication. Models are also used extensively in educational settings, research & development and when legal matters demand clear explanations of complex anatomy.
EBM Technology
EBM (Electron Beam Melting) technology involves firing an electron beam at metal powder, which melts from the electrons' kinetic energy. By controlling and directing the electron beam, the machine can melt a powder layer precisely as indicated by the CAD model. Once one layer has melted, a new layer of metal powder is added and the procedure is repeated. Unlike traditional milling techniques this process is able to make very complex forms without limitation of geometry. ARCAM, with headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a high-tech company offering Free Form Fabrication (FFF) equipment for direct manufacturing of parts in metals. More information on ARCAM can be found on the internet at www.arcam.com.
About Medical Modeling
Medical Modeling LLC is a world leader in the production of custom anatomical models made using medical imaging data combined with rapid prototyping & manufacturing technology. Its work in providing advanced "tactile" imaging solutions to surgeons has enabled some amazing surgeries, including separation of many sets of conjoined twins. Medical Modeling's services span the fields of orthopedic surgery, spine surgery, cranio-maxillofacial surgery and neurosurgery and help provide better care to patients through advanced surgical planning with tactile models. The company's expertise in tactile imaging combined with direct metal manufacturing using the EBM process opens the door for direct manufacture of medical devices for a variety of uses in the dental, orthopedic, spine, veterinary and cranio-maxillofacial markets. More information on Medical Modeling can be found on the internet at www.medicalmodeling.com.
Media Contact: Andy Christensen, +1-303-273-5344, info@medicalmodeling.com
Medical Modeling LLCCONTACT: Andy Christensen of Medical Modeling LLC, +1-303-273-5344,info@medicalmodeling.com
