Writer: Akshita Verma
3D printing sounds like it’s from the future, doesn’t it? Well, according to most experts, it could be the new future! From building footwear and furniture to prosthetics and replacement parts, 3D printing can function in multiple industries, especially in healthcare! Keep reading to learn more!
What is 3D Printing?
As the name suggests, 3D printing is the process of forming 3D objects layer by layer given a digital file for reference [1]. In other words, a 3D printer creates thin layers of material and stacks it until the object is completely formed. This technology follows an additive process to create objects, since it uses cross-sectional layers instead of carving down a block of material. The additive process gives 3D printing the technical term of additive manufacturing [1].
If you say 3D printing to someone, they’ll most likely think of plastic. However, that is one of the most common myths of 3D printing. Though the most widespread material currently used is plastic and other polymers, these printers can also use resin, metal, and even wood to build objects [2]. Why, you may ask? Biodegradable plastics, like polylactic acid, aren’t only easy to print using and cost-effective, but are also versatile. In addition, resin is usually used for making small, intricate, and personalized objects [2]. For example, someone who’s tired of looking for their name on souvenir cups or keychains might design a resin keychain with their name etched on it.
Pros & Cons of 3D Printing
But, did you know that the 3D printing industry is estimated to grow over $83 billion by 2029 [3]? This is because 3D printing has so many advantages, it has spread into multiple industries! 3D printers can create complex designs, have customized medical applications, make manufacturing efficient, and most importantly, be environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional machining, the 3D printing process uses materials that are lightweight and cost-benefiting. This allows for manufacturing to be quick (specifically varying from 30 minutes to 3 hours) and require less labor, as well as minimal material waste [3]. In a world where plastic is more abundant than trees, 3D printing is now emerging as an alternative for sustainability in manufacturing, thanks to its eco-friendly, reusable plastic filaments [3].
That’s only the good stuff about 3D printers, though. As a new industry in this rapidly changing economy, it has its disadvantages as well; accuracy and quality being some of the major obstacles. 3D printers are fast in printing, but this decreases its products’ dimensional accuracy [3]. In fact, 3D printers could lead to copyright infringement as well, since it could be misused to create counterfeit products with cheap quality. Though 3D printers are quick in forming products, it isn’t fast enough to have a large production volume and it takes up a lot of space [3]. It would also be far too expensive for businesses to open a 3D printing factory.
3D Printing in Healthcare
Now coming to the main point of this article; how can this technology be applied to the healthcare industry? Well, if you really think about it, whenever a patient needs something custom designed for them, for instance, a prosthetic limb, a 3D printer could design it to match the patient’s skin color or limb size [4]. After all, everyone has their own unique physical structures, so customization is a great necessity. 3D printing is also being used to create dental products, such as caps or mouth guards, replacement body parts, exoskeletons, and even baby helmets [4]!
Basically, 3D printing allows for the comfort of its patients, more attractive devices, and facilitates faster recovery [4]. We could even employ 3D printing to form more experienced and informed surgeons. 3D-printed anatomical models and surgical guides can help surgeons familiarize themselves with the patient’s anatomy before a surgery, which decreases chances of complication for patients [5]. I mean, a single mistake by a surgeon who just started practicing could ruin the life of a patient permanently. To relate back to the main point, the use of 3D-printing would be extremely helpful in alleviating patients’ experiences and increasing the reputation of healthcare [4]. The only limitation to it is the lack of medical providers’ awareness. Since 3D printing has only recently been applied to the healthcare industry, most medical providers are unaware of its technology’s numerous benefits. There also hasn’t been any user demand, and 3D printing’s use in healthcare is still debated by medical experts. Some believe that the expense of maintenance and other limitations aren’t worth it, while others believe that 3D printing will be the future.
Potential Usage of 3D Printing in Medical Settings
That’s the broad idea. But how exactly can you use 3D printing in the medical world? What could be innovated? What could be changed? Let me warn you, it’s a really long list! Coming in at number 1: personalized medical equipment! As already mentioned, 3D printers can create personalized splints, plaster casts, and medical models for surgeons in much less time than other resources [6]. Though it sounds unlikely, a 3D printer even saved a baby’s life in the US! Kaiba, a premature baby diagnosed with tracheobronchomalacia, would frequently stop breathing, so he was provided with a 3D printed splint to instantly help him breathe [6]. Thanks to the device’s assistance, he grew up with almost no breathing difficulties!
3D printers can also be used to create biomaterial substitutes, for example, blood vessels, bones, and heart valves [6]. This means that 3D printing could help patients with conditions involving malformed structures. For instance, a patient with ventricular septal defect (hole between the ventricles) could be treated with 3D printing, which could prevent heart attacks in the future. Did you know you can only 3D print synthetic skin and organs [6]? This would be extremely beneficial for patients with burn injuries or other skin issues! So far, only liver tissues have been developed, but in around 4-6 years, livers will be 3D printed and ready for transplantation [6]. Could you imagine how many diseases would be eliminated? It would be a healthcare revolution!
Ultimately, 3D printing technologies are revolutionizing healthcare because of their affordability, speed, and personalization abilities. Despite being a newer technology, it has a great impact on industry, which is projected to grow exponentially within the next decade. Basically, 3D printing has the potential to change patients’ lives, no matter what the condition!
Sources & Works Cited
[1] (2024, October 9). What Is 3D Printing? 3D Printing. 3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/.
[2] Turney, D. (2023, May 19). Metal, concrete, and wood are the next frontiers in 3D-printing materials. Autodesk. https://www.autodesk.com/design-make/articles/what-materials-are-used-in-3d-printing#:~:text=The%20most%20widespread%203D%2Dprinting,for%20lightweight%20and%20consumer%20use.
[3] (2023, June 14). Pros and Cons of 3D Printing. Dassault Systèmes. https://www.3ds.com/make/solutions/blog/pros-and-cons-3d-printing
[4] Glazebrook, N. How 3D Printing is Driving Customization in the Medical Field. RAPID + TCT. https://www.rapid3devent.com/event/news/3D-printing-driving-customization-medical-field/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWhen%20a%20patient%20needs%20something,benefits%20both%20patients%20and%20providers
[5] Healthcare 3D Printing Market Size And Share Report, 2030. Grand View Research.
[6] Mesko, B. (2024, May 31). 3D Printing in Medicine and Healthcare - The Ultimate List, The Medical Futurist https://medicalfuturist.com/3d-printing-in-medicine-and-healthcare/
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