The advantages of 3D printing in the medical sector
The medical field is a sector where there are many constraints that are always evolving and changing with the new technologies being developped. The resources used in surgery or to treat patients must be very precise and personalized. This means that the parts required are limited and therefore very expensive. 3D printing is a solution that is increasingly being considered and which brings a lot to the future of health and allows care adapted for each patient.
The medical applications
One of the undeniable advantages of 3D printing in the medical sector is undoubtedly the possibility of producing unique and personalized pieces at low cost.
3D printing is frequently used in these areas:
- Prostheses: Several types of prostheses can be manufactured using 3D printing. It thus makes it possible to offer models that are more aesthetic and much less expensive.
- Implants: Traditional medical technologies for manufacturing implants require very specific and costly constraints to be observed. With 3D printing, it’s now much easier to improve shape and materials.
- Dental field: Did you know that the dental field frequently uses 3D technology? Indeed, dentists and orthodontists can print multiple parts from a 3D scan.
- Transplants: 3D printing is also revolutionizing transplants! It is now possible to print cartilage and bone with bio compatible materials and thus avoid the risk of rejection.
- Ultrasound: This technology has even been used to create a 3D model of the ultrasound of a baby still in its mother’s womb! A blind patient was able to touch her baby’s face using this process.
- Medicines: Maybe one day some medicines will be able to be printed from home using 3D printing!
- Artificial heart: Researchers in Zurich have succeeded in creating a soft silicone artificial heart. This heart would have the same functions as a human heart, but it’s not yet possible to transplant these yet. It is however very useful for studying the possibility of finding other solutions for transplants.
- Burn victims: An American doctor created a 3D printer that prints a skin graft directly on the wounds!
In conclusion
As you can see, 3D printing can be extremely useful for a variety of healthcare uses. This advanced technology increases the possibility for patients to obtain tailor-made treatments more quickly. Thankfully, 3D printing offers more affordable solutions for new, complex challenges!
Contact us to learn more about 3D printing, a member of our team will be happy to assist you.