[TheForge] Transplant jaw made by 3D metal printer

[James Binnion]

On Feb 7, 2012, at 9:00 AM, terry l. ridder wrote:

> BBC News - Transplant jaw made by 3D printer claimed as first
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16907104

Maybe the first jaw but I have seen skull plates made to replace fractured areas produced on one of these machines. The machines are quite amazing

> 
> it takes 33 layers to complete 1 mm.
> 
> obviously not for home or hobby blacksmithing use but fascinating
> nonetheless.
Yes the printer costs more than a quarter million dollars, not a hobby unit.

> the titanium metal powder/flour has to be stored either in a vacuum
> or in inert gas. otherwise it would oxidize exothermically.


It will not oxidize exothermically unless you add some energy to kick it off. Not saying it is not dangerous material but I have worked with 300 mesh Ti powder, you don't want to expose it to sparks or other ignition sources. The more finely it is divided the more dangerous it is but I believe these units work with the 300 mesh powder.


James Binnion
jbin at well.com