Summary. 3D printing for healthcare offers cost-effective, customised, and timely solutions for medical components. This innovative technology enhances patient safety, promotes individualised care, and stands to revolutionise the future of medical treatments and procedures.
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There are many industries benefitting from utilising 3D printing. But, it is the medical sector more than ever that is continuously finding new applications for this innovative tech. There is always pressure to quickly find faster and more cost-effective means of saving lives as well as improving the quality of life. Therefore, 3D printing is the new, logical solution for healthcare and the medical sector.
Benefits of 3D Printing in the Medical Industry
Cost
As with any industry, cost is everything. Few industries understand that better than those in the medical field. 3D printing provides a viable solution for many cost issues faced by the industry. It is best suited to producing high quality components in low quantities which reduces expenditure drastically. Plus, unlike other systems, it does not require expensive or specialised equipment to be used. It is a system which only uses the exact amount of material needed to create the final product – making it both cost effective and environmentally friendly.
Related: What Does 3D Scanning Cost?
Customisation
The medical field often requires the creation of complex, customisable components, especially when it comes to prosthetics and bone implants. Each must fit perfectly to the individual patient and 3D printing can facilitate this. Unlike traditional manufacturing where all components are identical as a ‘one size fits all’. Whereas, 3D printing allows for individualisation. This improves the quality of the components and most importantly, the effectiveness.
Time
You may have the medical facilities to create components in house. Or you may have to outsource it. Regardless, both options are costly and take large amounts of time to complete. The beauty of 3D printing is that designs can be physicalised and assessed by the relevant medical professional – within a matter of hours. Any alterations can easily be implemented within a matter of hours and be ready to print directly at the patient’s facility.
Safety
When it comes to creating products for the medical industry, the number one priority must always be the health and safety of the patient. 3D printing is arguably one of the best methods of producing components which adhere to these standards. This is due to the capacity to use a wide range of sterile materials that are ready for immediate use. Many components also need to be accurate to the last millimetre. Precise computer designed elements, printed using a 3D scanner, are therefore an obvious choice for many healthcare professionals. The accuracy provided by 3D scanners and printing ensures that each product is always up to standard. Furthermore, each piece is safe to use both internally and externally on patients during medical procedures.
With the cost of healthcare putting a strain on the NHS year after year, it is evident that systems such as 3D printing will begin to play a vital role in the medical industry in order to sustain quality and effective healthcare. 3D printing and scanners are effective in saving time and most importantly saving lives. It is safe to say that as more industry professionals experience the benefits of this tech, it will soon become an integral part of medical processes and procedures.
Picture: Tilly Lockey, who lost both hands to meningitis as a baby, shows off her custom-built 3D printed prosthetic hand.
FAQ: Key Advantages of 3D Printing in Healthcare
How does 3D printing reduce costs in the medical industry?
3D printing offers a cost-effective solution for producing high-quality medical components in low quantities. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which often requires expensive, specialised equipment, 3D printing uses only the exact amount of material needed, reducing waste and saving on costs. This makes it an economically viable option, particularly for custom medical applications.
Why is customisation important in medical 3D printing?
Customisation is crucial in the medical field, especially for creating prosthetics and bone implants that need to fit perfectly to individual patients. Traditional manufacturing methods often produce identical components that may not meet specific patient needs. In contrast, 3D printing allows for the creation of individualised components, improving both the quality and effectiveness of medical treatments.
How does 3D printing save time in medical production?
3D printing significantly reduces the time required to produce medical components. Designs can be transformed into physical objects and assessed by medical professionals within hours. If any modifications are needed, they can be quickly implemented and reprinted, allowing for rapid iteration and faster patient care.
What makes 3D printing a safe option for medical applications?
3D printing is highly regarded for its ability to produce components that adhere to strict health and safety standards. The technology allows for the use of sterile materials that are safe for immediate use in medical procedures. Moreover, the precision offered by 3D scanners ensures that every product is accurate to the last millimeter, making them safe for both internal and external use on patients.
How is 3D printing expected to impact the future of healthcare?
As the healthcare industry faces increasing financial pressures, 3D printing is poised to become a vital tool in sustaining high-quality, effective care. The technology’s ability to save time, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes suggests that it will play an integral role in medical processes and procedures moving forward. As more healthcare professionals adopt 3D printing, it is expected to become a standard part of medical practice.