Rapid prototyping process to fabricate ceramic surgical implant with ceramic powder and binding agent suspension devoid of solvent

摘要

In a rapid prototyping process to fabricate a ceramic surgical implant, a suspension of ceramic powder and a binding agent are introduced into a stereolithography chamber in which the green ceramic implant takes shape under exposure to a laser beam. The suspension is devoid of solvent. The limited viscosity required for stereolithography is achieved by the incorporation of a dispergator for ceramic particles at a concentration of less than 20000 mPa(s. The green ceramic implant is than removed from the sterolithography chamber and then heated to a temperature at which organic components break down, but below the sintering temperature.