Preparation of a fiber-reinforced implant

A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced implant structure,

• providing a fiber-reinforced rigid insert comprising continuous fibers impregnated with at least one first thermoplastic polymer,
• performing a molding cycle by overmolding, comprising
• placing the fiber-reinforced rigid insert into a mold cavity;
• injection or compression molding into the mold cavity at least one second thermoplastic polymer in melted form, such that the fiber-reinforced rigid insert placed into the mold cavity is at least partly covered by the at least one second thermoplastic polymer, and
• cooling the at least one second thermoplastic polymer injection or compression molded into the mold cavity, thereby obtaining a molded fiber-reinforced implant structure containing the fiber-reinforced rigid insert at least partly covered by the at least one second thermoplastic polymer,
• wherein the fiber-reinforced rigid insert is in a predefined location in the mold cavity during said injection or compression molding and during said cooling,
• wherein the at least one first thermoplastic polymer and the at least one second thermoplastic polymer are the same or different.