Rapid manufacturing techniques in the development of an axial blood pump impeller.

This paper presents a comparison of manufacturing techniques used in the development of an axial blood pump impeller. In this development process the impeller was designed and its performance was evaluated with the aid of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Prototypes of those designs where the CFD results show promise were needed in sufficient quantities at a low cost for experimental validation of the CFD results. As the impeller is less than 16 mm in diameter with a maximum blade thickness of about 1.5 mm, innovative manufacturing techniques are explored in this paper to determine the best process for quick fabrication of prototypes that are dimensionally accurate, structurally robust and low in cost. Four rapid prototyping techniques were explored. The completed parts were compared on the basis of manufacturing time, quality and strength of parts obtained, manufacturing cost and also in vitro performances. Based on these studies, it was concluded that selective laser sintering (SLS) is the most appropriate method for the quick production of prototype parts for evaluation of pump performance.