The impact of 3D printing on the medical industry

In recent years, we have observed significant innovations in the medical field that have made a difference. 3D printing and continuous advancements related to this technology offer the medical industry great design freedom, adaptability, and functional integration. Additionally, this technology allows professionals to have total control over materials, shapes, and specific designs customized for the patient. 

3D printing opens the door to personalized solutions with a specific approach for each patient. For example, with additive manufacturing it is possible to manufacture prosthetics or dental implants from patients' anatomical data. 

Benefits of 3D printing in the medical field

3D printing has revolutionized many sectors, and the medical industry has not been an exception. This innovative technology has brought numerous advances such as the customization of devices and prosthetics or the manufacturing of medications.  

Some of the benefits that this technology provides to the medical industry are as follows:  

• Precise anatomical models: thanks to 3D printing the creation of precise anatomical models for surgical planning and medical procedures has been facilitated. This allows doctors to study the patient's anatomy in detail without the need to perform surgery. Therefore, we can say that thanks to additive manufacturing medical procedures have become safer and more effective processes, and above all, have experienced a considerable reduction in risks.  
• Drug research and development: another advance of 3D printing has been the manufacturing of personalized medications. This is a significant improvement, especially for those people suffering from rare diseases who need a specific or personalized dose that adapts to their needs. 
• Cost and time reduction: one of the great advantages of using 3D printing in the medical industry is the possibility of reducing manufacturing times and costs. In this way, patients can obtain their devices, medications, or diagnostics much faster, which is an essential factor in this sector.  
• Smart materials: although this research is still in a very early stage, there is the possibility of creating prosthetics with materials that adapt to environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, etc. 

In short, all this leads to a very important advantage in the medical field: a satisfactory user experience. The patient can not only see the prosthetic to be placed thanks to the 3D model preview and how it fits in their body, but also achieves a much faster and more efficient manufacturing process.  

How to use 3D printing to replace a cast

AtProto&Go! we are sponsors of the new podcast Toque de Ingenio, presented by Edgar Guerrero, Co-Founder of i-mas. In episode 8, Jordi Tura, CEO of Xkelet, is invited, a company that automatically designs a personalized immobilization in less than 5 minutes with the mobile phone.  

In this episode, you will discover everything about their upper limb immobilization system manufactured via 3D printing and designed to replace traditional systems such as plaster and, therefore, solve the problems they entail. 

This innovative project offers numerous advantages for the medical industry, and especially for patients. Its main advantage is the comfort of the process and the reduction of risks associated with traditional methods such as plaster (such as infections, placement issues...).  

Want to know more? Listen to the complete episode 8 of Toque de Ingenio !