How 3D Printing can Change the Medical Field

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Introduction

The 3D printer is an advanced technology capable of transforming digital works into 3 dimensional outputs. 3D printing has been around since 1981, gaining popularity in various fields such as engineering, manufacturing, and medicine. (3D Printing Dublin) In manufacturing for example, 3D printing reduced the material needed to produce complex materials in a more conserving and efficient manner. (3D Printing) In this blog post, I will describe how 3D printing has influenced the medical field in a few ways.

Lowered Costs for Manufacturing Equipment

One way 3D printing could shape the medical field is increasing cost efficiency, especially for manufacturers that produce small-scale, complex, and mutable products. 3D printers produce items at a rapid pace and with minimal cost. In healthcare, the quick and cheap nature of 3D printing could make small delicate prosthetics needed to replace minor body parts more available. According to (Ventola, 2014), "The cost to custom-print a 3D object is minimal, with the first item being as inexpensive as the last. This is especially advantageous for companies that have low production volumes or that produce parts or products that are highly complex or require frequent modifications." (Ventola, 2014)

Customized Medical Equipment

Another way 3D printing could change healthcare is by allowing the creation of custom-made medical equipment. Since 3D printing is suitable for small-scale and mutable products, printers can add modifications and adjustments to dental implants for instance, to suit patient-specific needs. In addition, medical outcomes in operation rooms can improve, since 3D printing, of "made-to-order jigs and fixtures" (Ventola, 2014) is generally faster and less costly than traditional manufacturing. (Ventola, 2014)

Sterilizability

Medical equipment created by 3D printers can be easily sterilized compared to complex equipment manufactured in a traditional manner. This is due to the wide array of materials to choose from (suitable to sterilization) available for many 3D printers to use. Due to easy sterilization, 3D printer synthesized medical equipment can have a minimized risk of pathogenic contamination, potentially improving the standard of safety in the medical field. (Tractus)

Conclusion

3D printing has the potential to transform the medical field in terms of production cost of equipment, tailored customization of equipment, and the sterilizability of equipment. 3D printing is a rapidly growing field, having its own significant advancements that can shake the workforce. The future holds many possibilities for 3D printing application to various fields, and it includes the field of medicine.

References

3D Printing. (n.d.). 3D Printing. Retrieved August 5, 2023, from https://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

3D Printing Dublin. (n.d.). The History of 3D Printing. Retrieved August 5, 2023, from https://www.3dprintingdublin.com/the-history-of-3d-printing/

Ventola C. L. (2014). Medical Applications for 3D Printing: Current and Projected Uses. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 39(10), 704–711.

Tractus3D. (n.d.). Healthcare. Retrieved August 8, 2023, from https://tractus3d.com/used-by/branches/healthcare