Evonik Unveils World's First Carbon-Fibre Reinforced PEEK Filament for 3D Printed Medical Implants

The newly launched filament is the world's first carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK filament for long-term medical implants. This move aligns with the company's goal of opening up new possibilities in medical technology for patient-specific treatment. 

Germany-based Evonik has launched a new carbon-fibre-reinforced PEEK filament, specifically designed for 3D-printed medical implants.

Reportedly, the speciality chemicals company will present the new product for the first time at upcoming medical technology and 3D printing-related trade shows.

The new filament is the world's first carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK filament for long-term medical implants. This move aligns with the company's goal of opening up new possibilities in medical technology for patient-specific treatment.

This development opens up new possibilities for remote healthcare. Doctors could potentially design and print medical implants from anywhere in the world, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Moreover, this smart biomaterial can be utilised in standard extrusion-based 3D printing methods like fused filament fabrication (FFF). such as fused filament fabrication (FFF).

Termed VESTAKEEP iC4612 3DF and VESTAKEEP iC4620 3DF, the two available filaments come with 12% and 20% carbon fibre content, respectively. These two variations offer material options depending on the required strength and flex properties of 3D-printed implants such as bone plates and other reconstructive prostheses.

Furthermore, Evonik's VESTAKEEP iC4612 3DF and VESTAKEEP® iC4620 3DF deliver a compelling blend of strength from the high carbon-fibre content, and the flexibility of its PEEK component.

Additionally, these product offers several benefits including the ability to control the alignment of the carbon fibres during the 3D printing process and high bio-compatibility for metal allergy patients as well,

Founded in 2007, Evonik is one of the world's leading speciality chemical companies and the second-largest chemicals company in Germany. The company has about 34,000 employees as of 2022 and production plants in 27 countries.

Evonik invests heavily in R&D with expenditure in 2022 amounting to ‚¬460 million. Further, the company is engaged in operations spanning across more than 100 countries.

In another significant development, a UK-based medical technology firm, Smith+Nephew launched the OR3O Dual Mobility System for hip arthroplasty in India. This system enhances stability, minimises dislocation risk and improves range of motion compared to traditional solutions.