Professor, Orthopedic Surgery University of California, Davis Davis, California
Dozens of additive manufacturing methods are available. Most of them rely on cooling or focally delivering energy (light, laser beam, electron beam) to a polymer (in a tank or after extrusion) or to powder. 3D printing was initially limited to specific plastics (polymers). Over time, the range of 3D printable polymers increased and included biocompatible polymers such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or polycarbonate. Metal 3D printing has also been available since the early 2000s. Biocompatible metal 3D printing includes titanium cobalt-chromium, steel, and other metals. Most 3D printed metal implants are made by sintering metal powder using a laser or electron beam. This presentation describes the setup of a 3D printing station or small laboratory for veterinary surgeons.