From hearing aids to customized prosthetics and face shields, 3D printing has changed the medical industry for the better. Not only is 3D printing accelerating the development of medical devices, but additive manufacturing has also enabled the customization of medical devices and products for patients.

3D Printing Disrupts the Medical Industry

According to the report from ResearchAndMarkets, Medical Devices 2021: Market Opportunities for 3D Printed Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Audiology Devices, 3D printing is beginning to show true signs of disruption within the healthcare industry across different fields. 3D Printing allows for greater levels of digitization, customization, and automation. This all leads to improved patient outcomes. Another benefit of the disruption is greater innovation and cost reduction for device OEMs and healthcare providers.

3D printing has become well established in the production of advanced orthopedic implants, the production of dental aligner tools and models, and increasingly in pre-surgical planning and more so within surgical training. Even so, major innovations within the medical field through the adoption of 3D printing are yet to be seen.

3D Printing Aids Medical During the Pandemic

3D Printing and additive manufacturing played a significant role is helping the medical industry respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. As hospitals experienced major shortages in equipment, 3D printing companies stepped in to produce PPE and ventilator parts. The FDA praised the response from the 3D printing industry, noting that “non-traditional manufacturers and community responders helped address shortages and gaps in medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Related:Want Speed in an Emergency? FDA Praises 3D Printing Response During COVID

3D printing produced millions of pieces of equipment and supplies, including masks, face shields, and medical devices. In September 2020, the FDA released the study, Assessing the Role of Additive Manufacturing in Support of the U.S. COVID-19 Response. The report examines the impact of 3D printing on the overall COVID-19 response. The study shows successes, challenges, and key lessons learned to build on and improve future crisis response.

On Thursday, September 2 at 2:00 pm Eastern, Design News will present the free webinar, Is 3D Printing Advancing Medicine? Yes, Through Prosthetics, Devices, and Gear, presented by Sona Dadhania, a technology analyst at IDTechEx. The webinar will explore the 3D printing technologies and materials that have become dominant in medicine and highlight current and emerging medical applications. The webinar will look at a wide range of 3D printing’s medical applications, and participants will learn:

Related:Pellet-Based 3D Printing Technology for Implantable Medical Devices

Register for the webinar  here.