Thermal Localization Improves the Interlayer Adhesion and Structural Integrity of 3D printed PEEK Lumbar Spinal Cages.

ABSTRACT: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a potential application for polyetheretherketone (PEEK) spinal interbody fusion cages, which were introduced as an alternative to titanium cages because of their biocompatibility, radiolucency and strength. However, AM of PEEK is challenging due to high melting temperature and thermal gradient. Although fused filament fabrication (FFF) techniques have been shown to 3D print PEEK, layer delamination was identified in PEEK cages printed with a first generation FFF PEEK printer [1]. A standard cage design [2] was 3D printed with a second generation FFF PEEK printer. The effect of changing layer cooling time on FFF cages' mechanical strength was investigated by varying nozzle sizes (0.2 mm and 0.4 mm), print speeds (1500 and 2500 mm/min), and the number of cages

SUBMITTER: Basgul C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7172383 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature