Design and additive manufacturing of medical devices, FHNW School of Life Sciences

Our research group develops innovative medical devices across the entire clinical process chain – from digital data capture and virtual planning to additive manufacturing. Our portfolio includes implants, surgical instruments, surgical guides, anatomical planning models, as well as orthoses and prostheses.

We use medical imaging data (e.g. CT, MRI) and optical 3D scans to create personalised, functionally optimised solutions. State-of-the-art methods in simulation, design automation and artificial intelligence enable us to precisely adapt medical devices to anatomical, biomechanical and functional requirements.

A particular focus is the development of functionally integrated and structurally optimised medical devices, such as patient-specific implants and surgical instruments, as well as biomechanically adapted orthoses and prostheses.

Our core competencies include additive manufacturing of metallic and ceramic biomaterials for bone replacement structures. In addition to dense components, we are researching biomimetically designed, open-pored 3D lattice structures which, through their internal architecture and external form, act as intelligent implants and enable both improved mechanical adaptation and optimised osseointegration.

In addition, we contribute to the continuous development, adaptation and redesign of additive manufacturing processes and their associated equipment. This work is often carried out in close cooperation with industrial partners whose biomaterials are already clinically established and for which new additive manufacturing processes must be validated.

Our research group is part of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Medical Informatics.