With the continuous advancement and development of science and technology, 3D printing technology has become a hot technology in the medical field, especially in implants. In implant manufacturing, PEEK, as a material with great potential, has become the first choice for manufacturing implants because of its high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, and other characteristics. Compared to traditional metal implants, PEEK also presents many advantages due to its unique characteristics.
First, the advantages of PEEK implants
1. Easy to customize
3D printing technology can be personalized according to the specific situation of the patient to produce PEEK implants that meet the individual needs of patients. This way of making can ensure the quality and adaptability of the implant, thereby reducing complications due to misfit.
2. Biocompatibility
PEEK material has been widely used in the medical field in recent years, and its good biocompatibility and bone proliferation rate can ensure the body’s inclusion of implants and rapid recovery. Compared with traditional metal implants, PEEK can effectively reduce complications caused by the rejection of metal materials and the human immune system.
3. Lightweight and more flexible
PEEK is a very lightweight material, lighter than traditional metal implants, without additional burden on the patient. At the same time, PEEK has better flexibility and can better adapt to changes in the human body during implantation.
4. Anti-corrosion and wear resistance
PEEK material is chemically stable and has good corrosion resistance, which can extend the service life of implants. For those implants that need to be placed in the body for a long time, PEEK can provide longer durability.
Second, the deficiency of PEEK implants
1. High price
Although the superiority of PEEK materials has been widely recognized, its manufacturing cost is still relatively high, resulting in the price of PEEK implants becoming a burden for patients and hospitals.
2. The manufacturing process is complex
Compared to metal implants, the manufacture of PEEK is more complex. Because the processing of PEEK materials requires a higher level of technology and more complex equipment, the manufacturing process also takes more time. This increases the manufacturing difficulty and cost of PEEK implants and also limits the application range of PEEK implants.
3. Demanding manufacturing environment
The environment in which PEEK materials are manufactured requires strict control to avoid contamination and quality issues. This also increases the cost and manufacturing difficulty in the manufacture of PEEK implants.
In general, PEEK has good prospects for the application of new materials in implant manufacturing, and its biocompatibility, light flexibility, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance can provide patients with better use experience and rehabilitation effects. However, the cost and difficulty of PEEK implant manufacturing still need to be further improved to make it more widely used.
