Mandibular reconstruction plates are essential for restoring function after segmental defects, but current designs often lead to stress shielding and long-term complications. New porous implant architectures may reduce these problems, yet their performance is insufficiently validated in an experimental test environment under realistic loading conditions. Existing experimental setups either oversimplify the physiological fidelity or are too complex to reproduce reliable results.

In this thesis, a new experimental setup that combines anatomically relevant loading conditions with rigid and reproducible boundary conditions is designed, manufactured, and validated. It features moulded condyle fixation cups that ensure precise and repeatable alignment of the mandibular condyles, and a modular loading platform capable of accurately reproducing various bite configurations. The platform allows controlled repositioning of occlusal contact points and accommodates diverse mandibular geometries, enabling both unilateral and bilateral loading scenarios. This configuration creates a mechanically robust environment while preserving essential biomechanical characteristics of mandibular function.

Structural performance of the setup was investigated through finite element analysis to assess stress distribution, deformation behaviour, and potential failure locations. Experimental validation was carried out using quasi-static and progressive cyclic loading, confirming that the setup maintains stable boundary conditions, realistic load paths, and high reproducibility under repeated testing. Using this setup, three metamaterial implant designs were assessed and strain distributions were quantified using Digital Image Correlation, revealing distinct differences in strain concentration around screw regions.

Overall, this work provides a robust, reproducible, and physiologically informed platform for the mechanical evaluation of mandibular reconstruction implants. The setup enables systematic comparison of implant architectures and supports future extensions toward cadaveric studies and clinically validated testing protocols, contributing to the development of implants with improved long-term clinical outcomes.