Fast Casters – Project Update February 16, 2006

Objectives
Progress since last update
New project candidates
Technology of speed skate blade
3-D printing of bone scaffolding

Important Material Characteristics in Speed Skates
Strong, resistant to wear
Low thermal conductivity
Able to be sharpened

Titanium vs. Steel Blade
+ Increased durability
+ Needs to be sharpened less often
- Sharpening takes time and may dull the tools

Challenges
Analyzing advantages and difficulties of using a titanium blade
Analyzing advantages of casting over forging or water jet cutting
Finishing the blade

3D Printing of Hydroxyapatite Bone Scaffolds
Objective
3D porous hydroxyapatite scaffold for bone replacement customized from patient’s CT scans
Seitz et al, Wiley Periodicals

The Process

Requirements of HA Bone Scaffolds
Porosity
Strength
Interconnected channels
Channel size
Biocompatibility
Bone ingrowth
Seitz et al, Wiley Periodicals

Hydroxyapatite
Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2
Chemically similar to the component of bones
Supports bone ingrowth
Biodegrades in the body over time
HA in powder form

Why HA Bone Scaffolds Would Benefit from 3D Printing
Rapid prototyping
Quick customization using CT scan of patient
Complexity of scaffold
Leukers et al, Journal of Mat. Sci.

Challenges of 3D Printing Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds
HA particle size
Acceptable binder
polymeric
Small enough size resolution
Time constraints
Sintering
Shrinkage
Cell culture

The Game Plan
Explore different combinations of hydroxyapatite and biocompatible materials
Uniaxial tension/compression tests
SEM imaging of microstructure
Different channel geometries

Questions/Comments?

Backup/Extra Information