Enhancing medical applications with 3D Printing

Manufacturing has its roots in various aspects starting from smaller pins to enormous aircrafts. But in healthcare, there is a need to confine the term to ‘Digital Manufacturing’ instead of other methodologies. The article talks about the most common medical applications of 3D Printing technology, while highlighting the challenges and regulations involved.

- Dr Thirumrugan 

Digital manufacturing comprises two important types: one is subtractive manufacturing, which is CAD/CAM and the other type is Additive Manufacturing, which is 3D Printing or rapid prototyping.

Computer-aided designing and computer-aided milling work on the principle of the reduction of excess material from a block or other shape to a desired designed outcome that involves wastage of material. This specific limitation is being addressed by 3D Printing, which adds layer by layer to construct a designed structure. Some of the CAD applications involve radiological or image interpretation and it involves designing any healthcare data and other patient-specific virtual designs and treatment plans. The CAM application includes milling a product from the created design, including dental crowns, bridges, and implant bars, along with the cast negative replica) for prosthetic manufacturing.

3D Printing technology

It is undoubtedly true that 3D Printing technology has made a revolution in nearly every discipline. This technology has made great strides in the engineering industries. But its usage in medical and dental applications is in no way inferior. The availability of 3D scanners, 3D software and 3D printers has caused a revolution in digital manufacturing, thereby, reducing the time and enhancing the quality of every application. There are nearly 13 different 3D Printing technologies in the world now, and each technology has its pros and cons with a complete range of materials.

The applications are enormous and innovations are happening every day using all of the above technologies. Gartner research says, by 2025, nearly 25% of surgeons will practise on 3D printed models before patient surgery. The CAGR of 3D Printing technology and materials has consistently been more than 20% in the healthcare industry, along with the up tick in the number of patents filed towards healthcare.