Invibio Biomaterial Solutions, part of Victrex plc, a pioneer in the development of PEEK biomaterial solutions, today announced the launch of PEEK-OPTIMA™ AM Filament, an implantable PEEK polymer that is optimized for additive manufacturing.
Importantly, the launch of PEEK-OPTIMA™ AM filament by Invibio makes available the trusted implantable-grade PEEK-OPTIMA™ polymer in a form specifically developed for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) additive manufacturing processes.
The new PEEK-OPTIMA™ AM filament expands Invibio’s portfolio of biocompatible polymers, that are already available in forms including powders, granules and rods for processing methods including injection moulding.
Additive manufacturing for medical devices
Additive manufacturing offers a new way to develop parts at speed in a cost-efficient way, and with near-zero wastage. Additive manufacturing methods provide technical advantages, such as the ability to build complex geometries during fabrication and easily integrate several components into one part. In response to the growing trend for 3D-printed medical devices, the FDA has published technical guidance to medical device designers and manufacturers, and Invibio is able to support device OEMs with navigating regulatory pathways for PEEK-OPTIMA™ additive-manufactured devices.
Patient benefits
The additional format of PEEK-OPTIMA™ also enables hospital facilities to custom-make PEEK devices in-house, at the point of care, with FDM/FFF-compatible machines, which brings numerous advantages to patients and healthcare professionals, particularly in specialties such as CMF, which demand design precision and manufacture at speed.
Victrex is an innovative world leader in high-performance PEEK and PAEK polymer solutions focusing on the strategic markets of automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics, industrial and medical. Every day, millions of people use sustainable products and applications containing our materials – from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to oil and gas operations and medical devices. With over 40 years‘ experience we are developing world leading solutions with PEEK and PAEK-based polymers and selected semi-finished and finished parts which shape future performance for our customers and our markets, deliver environmental and societal benefits, and drive value for our shareholders.