Selective laser sintering – binding mechanism and assistance in medical applications

Rapid prototyping technology (RP), based on designing and computer aided manufacturing, is widely used in traditional branches of industry. Due to its ability to accurately and precisely manufacture designed elements of various dimensions and complicated geometry, this technology is more and more frequently applied in the field of biomedical engineering. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a universal RP technique, utilizing a laser beam to sinter powdered materials and create three-dimensional objects. Data for producing parts for tissue replacement come from medical imaging capabilities and digital presentation of test results. This paper presents the following: general classification of RP methods, the concept and methodology of performing laser sintering, sintering mechanisms, and the application of elements manufactured using this technology in biomedical engineering, particularly for the production of scaffolds used in tissue cultures, skeletal and dental prostheses in dental implantation, manufacturing of custom-made implants that are individually adjusted to the patient, and for production of training models on which a team of surgeons can train a surgical technique.