Additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies are redefining opportunities for the rapid creation of personalized or low-unit volume parts for bioresorbable implantable medical devices targeting orthopedic applications. The development of Evonik’s GMP-grade bioresorbable polymers with versatile mechanical properties and resorption rates over the past few years can now help to enhance device performance and overall patient care across a range of medical device areas including reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, CMF, dental, spine, breast, tracheal, and oncology. This white paper reviews the suitability of bioresorbable polymers for use with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), extrusion-based Freeform printing, and Bioplotting. These technologies represent the four of the most common 3D printing systems used today to develop bioresorbable implantable devices suitable for human use.
