Created for rapid prototyping, the 3D printing service has become an efficient manufacturing technology used by many large-scale industrial manufacturers. The process involves the stacking of layers of material in precise geometric shapes. These layers are then cured by a process called sintering. This article will discuss the importance of 3D printing in the medical industry.
Used in the creation of models, replacement parts, and tools:
There are many applications for 3D printing, such as the creation of models, replacement parts, tools, and even anatomical models. Some of the most common materials in 3D printing include plastics and metals. In addition to plastics, specialty filaments are available for various applications. These include polypropylene, a semi-flexible material ideal for hinges and liquid containers, and TPU, which offers superior heat resistance and rubber-like properties.
Used to create patient-specific replicas of surgical guides, cranial implants, and hearing aids:
In the medical industry, 3D printing is often used to create patient-specific replicas of surgical guides, prosthetics, cranial implants, and hearing aids. This technology also creates surgical tools, such as sutures and bone grafts. The FDA has issued an issue brief on medical 3D printing, which outlines regulatory questions that need to be answered. In addition, the FDA’s Office of pharmaceutical quality is working with pharmaceutical manufacturers to use 3D printing technology to develop drugs.
The FDA has been working with manufacturers of drugs to determine whether or not the FDA has a role in regulating 3D printing products. However, many questions remain about how the FDA can oversee 3D printing.
Used in the medical industry for prototyping and one-off manufacturing:
Traditionally, 3D printing has been used in the medical industry for prototyping and one-off manufacturing. However, technology has grown to include full-scale production systems in recent years. Large-scale industrial manufacturers now use these to create prototypes, replacement parts, and final products. This has led to rapid growth in hospitals with a centralized 3D printing facility.
3D printing has become increasingly popular in the engineering industry, with applications ranging from creating prototypes for a new mechanical device to reconstructing anatomical structures from CT scans. In the future, 3D printing will likely be used for patient-specific prosthetics and customized medical equipment.