Simubone™ - Bone Modeling PLA

3DxTech is a renowned manufacturer specialising in the development of high-performance polymers. This North American manufacturer seeks to create the most innovative filaments on the market and focuses on the manufacture of technical filaments for professional applications.

Anatomical bone modelling

SimuBone™ Bone Modeling filament from 3DXtech is the latest in anatomical bone modelling materials and is used to clearly exemplify anatomical conditions. It is used for the creation of elements to replace skeletal bone models or for pre-operative surgical planning, making it ideal for use in clinical or educational settings.

The SimuBone™ Bone Modeling filament formulation is based on PLA together with special additives that give the part the look and feel of real bone, thanks to the matt finish of this filament.

Image 1. Bone model made with Simubone filament. Source: 3DxTech.

Antibacterial properties and ease of use

SimuBone™ filament is certified antibacterial by ISO 22196, which determines the antibacterial effectiveness of non-absorbent and non-porous materials. In addition, SimuBone™ filament is produced in a facility that complies with ISO 13485, the applicable quality management system for medical devices, making it ideal for use in clinical and educational settings.

PLA (poly lactic acid) is a biodegradable plastic that is derived from natural resources, specifically from starch extracted from corn, sugar beet and wheat.

PLA is printed at low temperatures and does not require the use of FDM 3D printers with a heated bed. In the case of Simubone™, the printing temperature is approximately 230°C and the recommended base temperature (in the case of a heated bed) is 23°C.

Thanks to its PLA base, Simubone™ maintains the ease of printing that characterises PLA filaments, and can be processed in almost any FDM 3D printer on the market. In addition, the formulation of this filament is PLA-based, making it non-toxic and biodegradable.

Image 2. Skull with brackets made with Simubone. Source: 3DxTech.

Some of the most outstanding properties of the SimuBone™ filament are as follows:

• Simulates the look and feel of bone.
• Low cost alternative to skeleton bones.
• ISO certified antibacterial.
• Radio-opaque additive allows greater visibility on X-rays and CT scans.
• Ease of impression.
• No odour or moisture absorption.

In addition to its features, SimuBone™ filament combines perfectly with the AquaTek™ X1 water-soluble support. This combination allows the user to manufacture parts with complex geometries on a dual extruder 3D printer.