RIT Printing Metal Implants Drop by Drop

Recent advances in additive manufacturing of biometals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, and their alloys, at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, New York, have transformed the development of patient-specific implants and bone plates. These materials boast superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility while offering the unique advantage of gradual degradation, eliminating the need for removal surgeries, which are ideal for temporary biomedical applications.

Zinc stands out for its intermediate degradation rate, which helps avoid complications associated with other degradable metals, such as gas pocket formation and inflammation. Additionally, zinc supports vital cellular functions, enhancing various metabolic processes. Additive manufacturing methods like powder bed fusion and wire-feed electron beam melting have facilitated the creation of tailored zinc scaffolds. However, to date, most studies have relied on pre-designed architectures instead of leveraging additive manufacturing's potential for intricate designs.

The innovative Molten Metal Jetting (MMJ) technology employs a drop-on-demand process, allowing for precise control of metal deposition and the formation of complex porous structures. Ongoing research at the AMPrint Center, led by Ph.D. candidate Valeria Marin-Montealegre under Dr. Denis Cormier, aims to refine MMJ for high-quality zinc scaffold production, exploring their degradation and biocompatibility. This research marks a significant advancement toward next-generation, patient-specific degradable metal implants.