LMI Medical Pioneers Medical Innovations with HP Multi Jet Fusion

Laser Modelling Israel (LMI), a pioneer of the rapid prototyping industry, has been using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology to produce intricate and lifelike 3D printed models to assist surgeons and doctors with complex surgeries.

 

 

Established in 1998, LMI has extensive experience providing a full service for some of the most high-tech companies in Israel, producing exceptional products during any and every phase of production. The company works with a vast range of industries, including medical, technology start-ups, the military and consumer products.

 

 

Since its inception, LMI has used a variety of technology to provide quality products and solutions for its clients. During the company’s early days, its founder, Arie Kalo, saw the basic stages of 3D printing, and decided to invest in an SLA systems machine. However, as the technology developed, Arie became impressed by HP’s 3D printing technology and considered it to be a better solution than the regular SLS technology that existed. LMI has since used an HP Multi Jet Fusion 217 machine, and more recently, acquired a third HP Multi Jet Fusion 4200 printer during the coronavirus pandemic to support additional products. 

 

Recently, LMI have been leveraging their medical expertise and engaging in joint ventures with hospitals. This includes printing models and prototypes to help doctors train for difficult surgeries such as reconstructive and autogenic surgeries, as well as building unique tools for specific operations.

An amazing example of one of LMI’s medical projects is the work the company carried out for a segmentation surgery of two conjoined twins. Conjoined at the head, the breakthrough operation was set to be extremely difficult with multiple complications and would require intricately detailed models on which the surgeons and doctors could practice.

 

As part of the operation, LMI worked with Limor Haviv, a surgical 3D printing specialist and founder of 3D4OP. Limor works in-house as a surgical specialist in hospitals across Israel, helping surgeons to prepare for surgeries by designing models based on patients’ CT and MRI scans. She regularly works with LMI who can quickly print her designs using its fleet of HP Multi Jet Fusion printers. The combination of the partnership and HP’s technology enables Limor to provide a fast service to the hospitals, something of particular importance during emergencies.

 

For the segmentation surgery, Limor and LMI worked together to both design and print a model of the twins, using LMI’s HP Multi Jet Fusion 4200 printers, as well as PI12 and CPU materials. The body, skin and skull of the model were all produced using HP’s 3D printing technology, whilst the more detailed parts, such as the veins, were produced using a softer material. The models were also connected by magnets and were completely moveable, allowing the surgeons to stimulate the surgery as much as possible.

 

 

The advantages to using HP Multi Jet Fusion printers for prototypes such as these are exceptional. Firstly, the printed parts are extremely affordable, and can be produced quickly and repeatedly. In the case of the twins’ segmentation surgery, this was vital, as it meant LMI could quickly produce different sized parts as the twins grew. Another benefit is the material of the final product, which can not only be painted in the colour of skin-tones, but also be sterilised, and therefore is safe enough to be placed close the operating theatre.

 

When commenting on the resolution of the HP Multi Jet Fusion machines, Limor said, ‘The resolution of HP’s technology is amazing. It allows us to see all of the intricate detail such as small bones. The density of each bone can also be simulated according to each patient, which is hugely beneficial to the medical staff’.

With this in mind, the accuracy of the HP Multi Jet Fusion 4200 machines is invaluable to LMI and Limor, with the in-printer quality checks helping to minimise errors and enabling easy, accurate job progress tracking. On top of this, HP’s technology allows the models to be produced in one assembly, meaning there is no need to print numerous separate parts.

 

Arie Kalo, the founder of LMI, also commented, ‘HP’s 3D printing technology is not only hugely advantageous to the medical work we do, but also for the other industries we work for. I find it extremely rewarding seeing our products and solutions come to life.’

 

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