World’s first carbon-fiber reinforced PEEK for 3D-printed medical implants

Evonik has introduced a new carbon-fiber reinforced PEEK filament, with different carbon-fiber content, for use in 3D-printed medical implants. This smart biomaterial can be processed in common extrusion-based 3D printing technologies such as fused filament fabrication (FFF).

The two new carbon-fiber reinforced PEEK filament are for use in 3D printed medical implants.

The two available filaments, VESTAKEEP iC4612 3DF and VESTAKEEP iC4620 3DF, feature 12% and 20% carbon fiber content respectively.

With a diameter of 1.75mm, the two biomaterials are supplied on 500g and 1,000g spools that can be used directly in standard FFF/FDM 3D printers for PEEK materials. Both are subjected to strict quality management for medical materials.

The two grades are suitable for applications according to the required strength and flex properties of 3D printed implants such as bone plates and other reconstructive prostheses.

Both filaments offer great benefits from the strength from the high carbon-fiber content, matched with the ductility of its PEEK component.

Additional benefits include the ability to define the alignment of the carbon fibers during 3D printing process, high bio-compatibility for metal allergy-patients and no x-rays artifacts.

Marc Knebel, Head of Medical Systems, marked the importance of the two new filaments to the new possibilities to medical technology for patient-specific treatment. “It is conceivable that patient-specific solutions can be manufactured within two or three days, significantly improving the recovery phase,” he added.

Comprehensive portfolio for medical technology

Over the last five years, Evonik has been developing new PEEK-based filaments for medical 3D printing applications and thus setting material quality standards in medical technology with additive manufacturing. The product portfolio includes different grades for long-term and short-term body contact applications.

In addition, the company also owns the RESOMER line of bioresorbable filaments, powders and granules for implantable medical devices.