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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2026; 39(02): 099-106
DOI: 10.1055/a-2654-8833
Original Research

Feasibility of Integrating Locking Plate System into Additively Manufactured Implants: A Mechanical Comparison of Three-Dimensional-Printed and Machined Locking Hole Threads

Authors

  • Kyu-Won Kang

    1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea

  • Sunyoung Kim 

    2   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

  • Byung-Jae Kang

    1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
    3   BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea

Funding This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea, funded by the Ministry of Education (RS-2024-00407214) and by another National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT; number 2023R1A2C1003001).
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Abstract

Objective

This study integrated a locking plate system into three-dimensional (3D)-printed implants and evaluated whether directly 3D-printed locking plate holes could achieve mechanical performance comparable to their machined counterpart.

Study Design

In vitro mechanical tests were performed to compare a 3D-printed 3.5-mm locking plate system with a commercially available variable-angle locking system (ARIX). Locking plate specimens (n = 90) were 3D printed from Ti6Al4V in three build orientations (0, 45 and 90 degrees). A torque limit test assessed the failure points under three screw insertion torques (0.6, 1.1 and 2.0 Nm) at two angles (0 and 15 degrees). The locked screw-and-plate constructs then underwent push-out testing, with a load applied parallel to the screw axis.

Results

At 2.0 Nm, all 3D-printed specimens failed due to thread deformation, whereas the ARIX system remained intact. Specimens printed at 0-degree orientation had the highest push-out strength, comparable to ARIX plates, while those printed at 90 degrees showed significantly lower strength. A higher insertion torque (1.1 Nm) improved the push-out strength regardless of screw angulation. Low torque with angled screws led to a substantial reduction in push-out strength.

Conclusion

The directly 3D-printed locking plate system achieved a comparable mechanical performance to machined counterparts when printed at 0-degree orientation, with appropriate torque. Optimal build orientation and careful control of insertion torque are crucial for maximizing the performance of 3D-printed locking plates.

Keywords

additive manufacturing - 3D-printed implant - insertion angle - insertion torque - locking plate system

Authors' Contribution

K-W.K. contributed to the conception of the study, study design, acquisition and interpretation of the data and drafted the manuscript. S-Y.K. contributed to the conception of the study and critically revised the manuscript. B-J.K. contributed to the conception of the study, study design and critically revised the manuscript. All authors contributed to editing the manuscript and approved the submitted version.




Publication History

Received: 16 October 2024

Accepted: 14 July 2025

Article published online:
23 July 2025

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