(Philip Lelyveld comment: this is relevant to 3D animation and consumer products.)
Fraunhofer To Unveil Customizable Surgical Tools In Upcoming Trade Show
Surgical tools aren’t exactly the kind of topic that gets featured here at Geeky Gadgets. But the news from Fraunhofer, a high tech firm specializing in cutting edge manufacturing processes for various industries, shouldn’t be missed. Fraunhofer have developed laser technology that allows the doctors inside the operating room to create their own tools.
Think of a 3D printer but without the machinery, just a specifc amount of titanium powder that’s melted by laser then molded a layer at a time to fit the unique requirements of the surgical team. The stuff of science fiction? Not anymore. The technology will be unveiled at the upcoming MEDTEC Europe trade show together with a suture sealing laser blow torch for endoscopic surgery.
Of course it’s the laser melting process to create new tools that will likely fire a lot of people’s imaginations once it’s embraced by the medical community. If surgeons can build the tools they need in a snap, how far off are instant artificial organs for transplants?
Though both the laser melting process and the laser welder aren’t going to be used in a hospital near you anytime soon, the fact that Fraunhofer have brought the technology to light indicates a new chapter in surgery has begun. We’ve come a long way, boys and girls.
By Glenn Santos on Wednesday 2nd March 2011 3:46 pm in Technology News
See the original story here: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/fraunhofer-to-unveil-customizable-surgical-tools-in-upcoming-trade-show-3-03-3011/