SAMAPLAST

Samaplast also makes a spine rod, developed to assist orthopaedic surgeons, which can be implanted in the body for more than 180 days. Although it is injection moulded, the company is using the Freeformer to produce parts that are used to evaluate strength and functionality of the implant. Furthermore, the Freeformer enables Samaplast to additively manufacture several variations on the spinal rod quickly and cheaply, ultimately helping their customer to get to the market faster. Although most of the injection-moulded rods are standard sizes and dimensions, the APF process opens the door to personalised implants that will improve patient care and treatment outcomes in the future - something that Samaplast is currently exploring.