Printing Parameter Optimization of Biodegradable PLA Stent Strut Thickness by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

This work presents printing parameter optimization of 3D printed biodegradable PLA stent. This study is motivated by a gap in current knowledge in 3D printing of stents identified in an extensive literature review. With the demand of coronary artery stents rising every year, the stent production demands a higher quality, lower cost, faster and economical process. Due to its availability relatively low-cost price and adaptability, PLA has been identified for an ideal material for biodegradable stents. Previously, laser micromachining was widely used for processing coronary stent. The emerging of 3D printing process has gained attention for its low cost, high reliability, simple operation and flexibility has shown potential as promising solutions in stents fabrication. The use of 3D printing for stent manufacturing purpose is newly emerge and not widely reported. Up to now, less research has been conducted on 3D printed PLA coronary artery stents. This work therefore, aims to study the relationship of the 3D printing processing parameter towards stents quality. Strut thickness become the key aspects in stents manufacturing. Processing parameter optimization was performed by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Nozzle temperature and printing speed were both effecting the strut thickness formations regardless of printing orientations.