Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
© Fraunhofer IWM

Reliable implants

more info

© Felizitas Gemetz/Fraunhofer IWM

Polymer Tribology and Biomedical Materials

We develop mechanical tests with which to assess the reliability and service life of orthopedic and dental materials and implants in order to determine, for instance, strength, material fatigue or wear.

Furthermore we develop simulation techniques and use these for bionics, biomimetics or fluid dynamics. We investigate osteosynthesis plates, dental implants, dental fillings and bone cement for our partners from the fields of medical technology and the health care system.

What we offer

 

  • Evaluation of the quasi-static strength and fatigue behavior of implants
  • Investigation of the mechanical properties of bone cements and dental materials (e.g. fatigue, creep, fracture toughness, etc.)
  • Tribology of thermoplastics, elastomers and hydrogels
  • Influence of lubricants on the tribological behavior of polymers
  • Wear of elastomers
  • Component design and reliability studies within additive manufacturing

Topics

 

© SCYON Orthopaedics Technology Center Au

Reliability and operational behavior of biomedical materials and implants


Hip joint prostheses, bone cements and dental implants in patients must survive several million load cycles without failure due to fatigue. Bone cement should have no critical creep deformation under load. The mechanical properties of resorbable osteosynthesis plates should change during the removal process in a defined way. A micro bone screw should quickly and definitely “grip” when screwed into ...

MORE
 

© Felizitas Gemetz/Fraunhofer IWM

Reliability in generative manufacturing


Generative production processes are becoming more important in the production of small series, customized components and the manufacture of complex component structures. The transition from rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing requires that produced parts be subjected to reliable and defined quality control. To do this, we experimentally and computationally define the internal stresses and shape distortions that arise from the layered structure...

MORE
 

© Fraunhofer IWM

Tribology of “soft matter”: Hydrogels, elastomers and thermoplastics


The tribology of “soft matter” is characterized by the complex dependence of the friction value and wear on normal force, speed, temperature, lubricants and surface finish of the friction bodies.  The range of experimental observations can be mapped using appropriate models of friction mechanisms. An understanding of tribological phenomena allows adequate measures to be taken to minimize friction ...

MORE

Polymer Tribology and Biomedical Materials publications

 

© iStock

Contributions to scientific journals, books and conferences as well as dissertations and project reports...

More