Li Xiang,Li Dichen,Su Yanping,Lu Bingheng
（School of Mechanical Engineering,Xi'an Jiaotong University,Xi'an 710049,China）
Abstract:An indirect fabrication method for artificial bone is proposed based on CAD and stereolithography rapid prototyping（RP） technique. The internal structure of artificial bone is precisely designed and controlled, and the corresponding epoxy resin mould is manufactured with stereolithography RP technology. The β-tricalcium phosphate materials are filled into the mould and the bioceramic artificial bone with the internal structure consistent with design specification is achieved after drying and pyrolyzing. This method overcomes the defect that internal microchannel structure of traditional artificial bone is uncontrollable, and facilitates constructing a desired spacial structure of artificial bone where the cell／tissue ingrowth and survive are enhanced obviously. The experiments confirm that the whole procedure from structure design to final sintering is under control, and the internal spacial structure promotes the activiation of the artificial bone.
Keywords:β-tricalcium phosphate;artificial bone;structure design;rapid prototyping; indirect fabrication