3D 4 Health

Current project

VIP Snapshot

Pioneering technologies are changing the face of healthcare. Be part of a team promoting the quality of life for people around the world by harnessing the power of 3D printing and advanced biomaterials.

VIP ChallENG research goals

You will design, develop, manufacture and evaluate new medical implants with excellent robustness and multifunctionality using cutting-edge metal/polymer 3D printing.

This project has the potential to benefit millions of patients worldwide. It will fill a critical knowledge gap in the medical implant field by developing new topology-optimised designs and 3D printing processes to promote bone in-growth.

The research includes:

  • Designing new bioactive and multifunctional (e.g., antibacterial) biomaterials to 3D print medical implants
  • Designing and developing lattice structures using finite element analysis based on bio-mechanical topology optimisation
  • Understanding the 3D printing process and post-processing treatments using an advanced in-situ monitoring system
  • Optimising the 3D printing process using machine learning/date predictive modelling to achieve robust printed metal/polymer parts
  • Modifying the surfaces of 3D printed lattice structures to enhance (osseointegration) bone ingrowth/ ongrowth.
  • Characterising the microstructure, bio (in vitro or in vivo) and mechanical properties of your 3D printed parts, then benchmarking them against similar products already available on the market
  • Writing a real-world project management plan/business model for the 3D printing medical devices industry

Research Areas:

  • Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
  • Medical devices (Orthopaedics/Spine)
  • Biomechanics Biomaterials
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Commence
3D 4 Health

Team Academic Leads