Case Study: Novax DMA achieves a better-fitting cranial implant with Protolabs

Novax DMA 3D printed cranial implant gives better quality of life

The customer, Novax DMA, faced the challenge of designing and manufacturing a large, perfectly fitting cranial implant that could accommodate biological functions like liquid permeability and heat dissipation for a patient in Argentina. Partnering with vendor Protolabs, they needed a solution that moved beyond traditional titanium implants to prevent heat transfer and rejection, requiring a highly customized and sterile product.

The solution implemented by Protolabs was a 3D printed, porous titanium grill structure. This design allowed for bone growth and liquid permeation while minimizing heat conduction into the brain. Protolabs utilized a critical multi-step cleaning process to ensure the implant was sterile for medical use. The result was a successful implant that was manufactured and delivered within three weeks. The patient experienced no complications, was discharged from the clinic after two days, and fully healed in three weeks, achieving a significantly better quality of life.

Novax DMA

Daniel Fiz

Chief Executive Officer