3D Printed Infant Masks Are a Success Story for Silicone in the Medical Sector

The use of additive manufacturing for the production of medical devices has increased rapidly in recent years. While the global market for 3D printing in healthcare reached a volume of $2 billion in 2021, it will double by 2026 to around $4 billion, according to forecasts by Global Data. Along with this rapid growth, the possibilities of the applications are increasing, as well as the demands on the materials used. Due to the diversity of applications of medical 3D printing in the various fields of orthopedics, dentistry, surgery, etc., a wide variety of materials are used, which must meet medical requirements while also having the ability to be processed for 3D printing. One material that is increasing in medical use is silicone.

Silicone in particular has a number of properties that are valuable in the medical field. The rising silicone AM market underscores the trend of increased demand across the industries. In 2021, the total market value was estimated at $1.5 billion and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 19.9% through 2028. As mentioned earlier, this advance can also be seen in its increased use in medical applications. Silicone is biocompatible, UV-resistant, thermally stable, it can be sterilized, and it is easily customizable to different individuals through 3D printing. For example, the company Elkem Silicones and the Hospital Clínic of the University of Barcelona are working on a proof-of-concept project, using 3D-printed silicone medical respiratory masks to treat premature infants.

Silicone 3D printing is taking on an increasingly important role in medicine. (Image: Elkem)

Around 70% of premature babies require respiratory support. Non-invasive ventilation techniques such as a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device, which delivers air pressure to a connected mask through a tube, are often used. These masks, however, are not ideal for babies because their faces are smaller and shaped differently than those of adults. What’s more, due to the rapid growth of infants, they also need new masks on a regular basis. 3D printing offers the advantage here that the masks can be customized and also regularly reprinted. 3D printing makes it possible to print cavities, unconventional geometries, and the ability to change designs iteratively. One crucial point why Elkem Silicones and Hospital Clínic Barcelona are turning to 3D-printed silicone masks is that despite their wide range of manufacturers, sizes and shapes, traditionally manufactured generic medical products cannot fit everyone.