Through the RAMATI project INOV consolidated knowledge to develop a new technique for the manufacture of metal / metal-ceramic prostheses and implants for dental applications and craniofacilomaxial surgery, based on the laser-assisted deposition.
This 3-yr project was financed by the EC via the 6th Framework Programme. The Consortium, led by INOV, involved 13 entities.
The materials used were essentially titanium, titanium alloys and chromium-cobalt alloys, but the project also involved a task of developing new materials, specially designed for this application and adapted to the laser deposition manufacturing technology.
In addition, INOV developed, built and tested a prototype of deposition equipment based on a CO2 laser, elaborated deposition methods appropriate for different materials and applications, and harnessed the laser deposition technology to produce characteristic samples ― to be characterized and tested by other partners. These important activities allowed INOV to establish wide collaboration and transfer knowledge to other partners, developing (i) further appropriate laser deposition methods for different applications and (ii) corresponding equipment-operating software.