As you become familiar with implant or device manufacturing methods that involve polymers or composites where a polymer is a continuous matrix, you will come across the terms thermoset or thermoplastic curing.
Both these terms sound similar but have very different characteristics and potential applications. The main difference is that with thermoplastic curing involves a polymer that when heated melted to a liquid and when cooled solidifies. This process can be performed multiple times. On the other hand, thermoset curing involves a polymer that when heated melted to a liquid and when cooled solidifies in the final shape. It cannot re-melt. If heated again, it will char. Think of thermoplastics as butter and thermoset as bread. Butter can melts and cools multiple times to form various shapes. Bread once formed cannot re-melt. Any additional heat would lead to charring. Click here to know more about the pros and cons of each process.