Integral Forming Manufacture of Weft-Knitted 3D Hernia Repair Mesh

Low melting point polyester (LMPET)/regular polyester (PET) monofilaments with diameters of 0.13 mm and 0.14 mm were used as material. Meshes with three different knit loop lengths were produced using a flat knitting machine. For the heat setting of 2D meshes, three setting temperatures and three setting heights are set. Experimental results show that within a certain range, the setting temperature and the compression stiffness are positively correlated, the higher the temperature, the higher the compression stiffness of the 3D mesh. As knit loop lengths increase, the compressive strength has a more obvious decrease. The maximum compression load decreases as the setting height increases. The effect of yarn diameter on the compressive properties of the 3D meshes depends mainly on porosity. In addition, the bursting strength of the 3D meshes is reduced after sizing. The research results have theoretical and practical significance for the application of 3D meshes in abdominal hernia repair surgery.