Individual bone implants whose structure resembles that of the natural bone can now be produced quite easily. First, a simulation program calculates the bone's internal structure and porosity, then a rapid prototyping machine "bakes" the implant from metal powder.
Scientists have learnt many things from nature - for example, the structure of a bone. Bones are very light but nonetheless able to withstand extremely heavy loads. The inside of a bone is like a sponge. It is particularly firm and compact in certain places, and very porous in others. The lightweight construction industry is especially interested in copying this construction method. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research therefore developed a simulation program that calculates the internal structure and density distribution of the bone material. From this, the scientists were able to derive the material structure for other components. The program simulates how the structure needs to be built in order to meet the specified requirements.