IFW and Toolcraft Create 3D Printed Bone Drill

Recently, the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW) at Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany, which focuses on all aspects of machining, was working on a research and development project for a tool that could cut bone without causing thermal-induced tissue damage. As of right now, the drilling process during surgery sounds pretty awful - it has to be interrupted multiple times to keep the temperature down, because fluid could enter the wound if the tool is removed to cool it. IFW needed help, and turned to the family-owned German Toolcraft company, which specializes in manufacturing high-end precision components and parts. Tissue damage during bone cutting occurs at temperatures of 48°C and higher, and conventional tools with cooling systems can't be used during surgery because of the risk of fluid getting into the wound. But due to metal laser melting techniques like the one Toolcraft uses, 3D printed drills can be made with their own integrated cooling ducts. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/181687/metal-lase...d-print-drill/

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That's one of the most useful drills I have seen in a while. Impressive.