Individual implants of a loss of palate fragments fabricated using SLM equipment

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the new conception of design and manufacturing individual implants of a loss of palate fragments using Selective Laser Melting equipment. Design/methodology/approach: The designed virtual model of scaffolds have been produced in a process of selective laser melting (SLM). For their preparation titanium alloy powder - Ti6Al4V of suitable granulation and shape has been used. Thus obtained scaffolds have been observed in a scanning electron microscope. The structure of the pores is compatible with the shape of a designed unit cell. The outcarried EDS analysis has confirmed the chemical composition of the tested material. Findings: In the framework of research innovative porous biomimetic materials called scaffolds with the well-defined regular structure of open pores have been used. Virtual implant models have been made using Computer Aided Materials Design. They have the geometrical dimensions corresponding to a fragment of a loss of a human palate. Porous and regular structure with defined geometric dimensions and shape are designed in the form of the unit cell, which has then been subjected to the multiplication process. Practical implications: The scaffolds fabricated in the SLM process create conditions for their application as implants of a loss of palate fragments. Originality/value: Implants for the whole palate or its part, required due to mechanical injuries, tumorous diseases or cleft palate are original at the basis of a literature review.