With Autodesk, Dan pioneered complex lattice designs for 3D printing. These lattices, now commonly used in many 3D printing applications / industries can make parts lighter, more efficient and damage resistant. A special application of these lattices is in 3D printed titanium spinal implants. These use a randomised ‘trabecular’ pattern that promotes bone growth into the lattice resulting in a fused implant. The NuVasive XLIF implant range uses both trabecular lattices separated by an intermediate lattice designed to match the stiffness of bone.