3D Printing: The New Tool Available to Doctors

It is accepted that additive manufacturing disrupts many modes of production, although it is still difficult to compete for the moment with certain conventional methods, the main reason being speed is still considered too slow. 3D printing of large series takes time and does not yet appear as the preferred method for many sectors. However, the medical field is closely becoming interested in this technology with the ability to create solutions tailored to each patient. There are nearly 7.5 billion different morphologies to which doctors must now adapt. Additive manufacturing then appears as a new solution for creating customised devices through that meet the needs of patients.

The American firm Allied Market Research estimated the medical 3D printing market at $ 2.3 billion by 2020. The general growth of additive manufacturing could be explained by the opportunities in terms of customisation offered by additive manufacturing. It can create prostheses, implants, be used as preparation of surgical operation or to manufacture medical devices facilitating certain sensitive operations like surgical guides and other visual aids.

Additive manufacturing to design implants and prostheses

An implant is intended to replace an organ over a long period of time or to supplement one or more of its functions. It is therefore, by definition, totally adapted to the patient and as such the person’s anatomy. Customisation is time consuming and expensive when it comes to using traditional manufacturing methods. This is where additive manufacturing comes in handy and helps design custom implants. Several players have already started in this sector and use 3D technologies to manufacture personalised medical devices.