Freeformer uses plastic particles as raw materials (that is, plastic particles for injection molding). In the plasticizing cylinder, plastic particles are melted into a fluid state, and then small droplets are ejected through the high-frequency pulse rigid nozzle. The nozzle can move along the XYZ three-axis direction, so as to build a three-dimensional object layer by layer.
Compared with FDM 3D printing, APF 3D printing can use more materials, realize more complex structures, and have higher accuracy. For example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), amorphous PA (polyamide) and PC (polycarbonate), elastomer TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and semi crystalline PP (polypropylene), PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) and other special and certified raw materials, including biocompatible, absorbable, disinfectable and FDA approved raw materials.
Therefore, APF 3D printing technology can be applied to more fields, especially the medical field, such as using Evonik's resomer LR 706 (composite of poly l-lactide-co-d, L-lactide and ß -tcp), 3D printing human implants for fracture treatment. This composite contains 30% ceramic additive (ß -tcp). This makes the components stronger and releases calcium to promote bone regeneration. After a given time, the implant was completely dissolved.
PLLA (purasorb PL18, resomer LR 708) can also be used to 3D print absorbable implants of skull, cheekbone and phalanx, and anti-inflammatory drugs can be loaded to minimize rejection.
Using thermoplastic PCU (polycarbonate polyurethane) can 3D print permanent implants, and can customize the design according to the treatment site, and realize complex geometric structure.
In addition, APF 3D printing technology can also be used to 3D print various medical devices, and the materials used are all materials that have obtained medical certification. In general, APF 3D printing technology provides a convenient technology for medical institutions, so that they can design many new treatment devices and improve the medical level.