Precise Dosing Technology for 3D Printing in Orthopaedic Applications

When processing complex, high-viscosity media such as 1K silicones, composites or medical adhesives, precise and high-performance dosing units are playing an increasingly important role. With the ViSCO.square, Beinlich Pumpen has developed a progressive cavity pump specially optimised for use in 3D printers.

The ViSCO.square pump technology is based on the volumetric principle of endless piston dispensing. Its core components, rotor and stator, form a tightly sealed dosing chamber. The eccentric movement of the rotor enables shear-sensitive material transport without crushing the medium, making the ViSCO.square especially suitable for filled materials. The pumps are capable of producing highly precise dots and bead patterns. This pulsation-free technology ensures exact and consistently reproducible layer application for additive manufacturing. Their compatibility with high-viscosity materials makes them ideal for 1K silicones, composites and medical adhesives. A 2K version allows for precise mixing of two components, for example to produce varying levels of hardness. The integrated motor control is tailored to the software used in common 3D printers and can be seamlessly integrated into prosthetics and orthopaedic applications.

A key area of application for the ViSCO.square is the production of liner covers for prosthetics. These serve as the interface between stump and prosthesis and must be individually adapted to the patient's anatomy. With the ViSCO.square used in 3D printing, orthopaedic clinics and professionals can create variable layer thicknesses, combine different hardnesses and adapt shapes precisely – all based on digital 3D scans. The benefits are clear for clinics, practitioners and patients alike, as the adjustments can be carried out directly in the clinic with the patient present. Thanks to integrated 3D measurement technologies (e.g. optical scanners similar to those used in digital dentistry), the shape of the stump can be captured digitally and in real time. This data can then be used to design and print liner covers tailored to the individual. This saves time and costs by eliminating the need for moulds, manual adjustments and multiple manufacturing steps. As a result, a precise fit can be achieved, enhancing wearing comfort and helping to prevent pressure points on the stump. The outcome is a fully digital process chain that ensures a seamless workflow – from 3D scanning and design to the finished liner. Patient-specific solutions can be realised through different combinations of materials and geometries.

With the ViSCO.square, Beinlich Pumpen offers a custom-fit solution for medical 3D printing. The combination of precise dosing technology, software-optimised motor control and a wide range of compatible materials makes the ViSCO.square printhead a key tool in modern orthopaedic technology. In the future, orthopaedic clinics and practices will be able to manufacture and customise patient-specific liners, prosthetic elements and insoles directly on site. The ViSCO.square is optimised for compactness and weight and, in its 2K version with PEEK housing, weighs less than 1,600 grams.