Shaoi Wen and Andrew Hecht, Purdue University (IMAGE)

Purdue University

Shaoi Wen and Andrew Hecht, Purdue University

Caption

Purdue mechanical engineering doctoral student Shaoyi Wen, at left, and technician Andrew Hecht review data using a "laser deposition" system. The system works by depositing layers of a powdered mixture of metal and ceramic materials, melting the powder with a laser and then immediately solidifying each layer to form parts. Researchers at Purdue's Center for Laser-Based Manufacturing are developing technologies that use lasers to create arterial stents and longer-lasting medical implants that could be manufactured 10 times faster and also less expensively than now possible. New technologies will be needed to meet the huge global market for artificial hips and knees.

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Purdue News Service photo/Andrew Hancock

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