Evonik launches osteoconductive VESTAKEEP® Fusion PEEK filament for 3D printed implants
Evonik will present the VESTAKEEP® Fusion 3D printable biomaterial during the AAOS trade show in Chicago, USA (March 22-26, 2022).
- Expansion of the VESTAKEEP® Fusion product family
- Faster bone healing through improved osteointegration between bone and implant
- Individual implant designs by means of additive manufacturing
Darmstadt, Germany. Evonik is further expanding its portfolio of 3D-printable biomaterials for medical technology: The specialty chemicals company has developed VESTAKEEP® iC4800 3DF, a new osteoconductive PEEK filament that improves fusion between bone and implants. The high-performance polymer can be processed in common extrusion-based 3D printing technologies such as fused filament fabrication (FFF). Evonik will present the new product for the first time at the AAOS trade show in Chicago, USA (March 22-26, 2022).
More quality of life due to faster bone healing
The new PEEK filament is a biomaterial from Evonik's VESTAKEEP® Fusion product line launched in 2020. The high-performance polymer impresses with excellent biocompatibility and biostability as well as improved osteoconductive properties. The osteoconductivity was achieved by using a functional special additive - biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). The BCP additive allows bone cells to adhere to implants more quickly, thus positively influencing the boundary, so called osteointegration, between the bone and the implant. This, in turn, will accelerate bone fusion and thus patient recovery.
VESTAKEEP® iC4800 3DF was developed for use in the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology. With a diameter of 1.75 mm, the PEEK filament in natural color is wound onto 250 gram or 500 gram spools. They can be used directly in standard FFF 3D printers for PEEK materials. Tests on various 3D printers as well as customer feedback confirm excellent processability of Evonik’s new filament. Furthermore, VESTAKEEP® iC4800 3DF has been specially designed so that the functional additives are available directly on the surface of the 3D printed implant without further post-processing steps - a novelty for osteointegrative PEEK biomaterials. Like all products of the Fusion range, VESTAKEEP® iC4800 is manufactured under strict quality management for biomaterials.
Advancing 3D printing in medical technology
"No other application field showcases more the classic advantages of 3D printing, such as individualization or design freedom, than medical technology," says Marc Knebel, Head of Medical Systems at Evonik. "Since the product launch of the first PEEK filament a good three years ago, we have been expanding the possibilities of modern medical technology in the individual treatment of patients using additive manufacturing by constantly developing new innovative biomaterials."
Evonik has been the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance polymers for additive manufacturing technologies for more than 20 years. The specialty chemicals company offers the industry's most extensive portfolio of 3D-printable biomaterials for medical technology, which can be used to manufacture medical device parts designed for temporary and permanent body contact. In addition to VESTAKEEP® i4 3DF and VESTAKEEP® Care M40 3DF, the portfolio includes the RESOMER® line of bioresorbable filaments, powders and granules for implantable medical devices.
About Evonik
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €12.2 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.91 billion in 2020. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. About 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.
About Smart Materials
The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of €3.24 billion in 2020 with about 7,900 employees.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.