Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering

Advanced Manufacturing

Customized Medical Technology – Rethought Layer by Layer

At Fraunhofer IMTE, additive manufacturing is used to develop patient-specific models, implants, and prototypes. The platform enables highly integrated solutions for prevention, diagnostics, therapy, rehabilitation and training.

At Fraunhofer IMTE, additive manufacturing – also known as 3D printing – is used as a key technology for customization in medical technology. Through continuous technological advancements, the additive manufacturing platform has become the central point of contact for application-oriented research and complex prototype development in the region. The focus is on medical applications, particularly patient-specific solutions.

The production of highly integrated, custom components enables the implementation of medical technology solutions that would be difficult to achieve with conventional methods. Combined with three-dimensional imaging data – such as from CT, MRI, or ultrasound – diagnoses can be directly translated into personalized models that support precise therapy planning and implementation. For example, anatomically realistic phantoms are created for training on surgical robotic systems, as well as anatomical models for product development and approval procedures.

Additionally, the technology is used in the patient-specific production of implants and surgical instruments. Future applications – such as the use of bioprinting for manufacturing artificial organs for pharmacological research – are also being advanced in preliminary research at IMTE.

The platform combines cutting-edge infrastructure, interdisciplinary expertise, and application-oriented research, making a significant contribution to the accelerated development of innovative medical technology solutions.

Fields of research

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Implant research

Individualized implants, for example, can represent considerable added value for patients. They are created on the basis of tomographic image data by first transferring individual structures of the patient's anatomy into 3D models. Due to imaging errors, pathological changes in the anatomy and image artefacts, the initial data for these models often requires time-consuming manual post-processing. Algorithms are being developed at the IMTE to automate these corrections, building on the team's expertise in the overall medical imaging process.

Bioprinting - 3D cell technology

One of the greatest medical visions for the future involves replacing lost body tissue with living biological implants that ideally heal seamlessly during regeneration. There is still a long way to go before this goal can be realized on a large scale. Our many years of 3D printing experience, combined with our cell technology expertise, provide fertile ground for the development of new methods and tools to gradually move closer to the major goal of bioprinting.

Services

  • Individually tailored development and manufacturing process with a focus on additive manufacturing
  • Interdisciplinary team with many years of experience in the production of prototypes, individual items and small series
  • Scientific support from experts in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, bio technology and medical technology
  • Technology-open and solution-oriented support from the idea to the product
  • Comprehensive support with conception, design and selection of suitable materials and manufacturing technologies
  • Additive manufacturing at a high technological level - from the idea to realization from a single source