Chinese orthopedic implant manufacturer AK Medical has purchased eight 3D printers from GE to meet the rising demand for orthopedic implants in the country.
The company acquired the GE Arcam EBM Q10plus 3D printers in order to produce custom, 3D-printed orthopedic solutions for China's rapidly aging population. The personalized metal implants give patients an alternative solution to mass-produced knee, hip, and spine implants that may have an imperfect fit, the company noted.
AK Medical creates a variety of medical devices, including bone joints, using electron beam melting manufacturing processes. China's National Medical Products Administration has certified five of AK Medical's EMB printed joint implants, according to the company.
The company intends to focus more of its efforts on 3D printing in the coming years, AK Medical noted.
