Press print: 3D-printing to disrupt implants industry

The implementation of 3D printing technology in healthcare has created exciting developments, making medical technology which is often expensive at the time of market entry cheaper over time. 3D printing in medicine has started to revolutionise the field, especially with its declining cost and increased accessibility.

Albeit costlier than existing implant solutions in healthcare, the precision of end-product is what ensures the success of the 3D-printing medical devices. Designed from the thoroughly analysed digital model, 3D implants leave no room for error compared with traditional techniques which usually require additional processing adding waste and extraction costs.

With enhanced precision, 3D printed medical implants such as orthopaedic and dental implants have witnessed an impressive success rate in the last five years. Fact MR’s market study estimates sales of medical implants continue to dominate the market.

Customisation is the current trend in medical implants market. Advances in 3D printers, materials and other technology have enabled manufacturers to design and deliver custom-made, high-resolution 3D-printed implants on patient demand. In orthodontics, starting from designing common dental casting to metal bridges, dental crowns, and other dental implants, 3D printing has made dental implant surgeries better, faster and cost-effective.

Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgeries are enhancing the efficiency of 3D printed medical implant procedures. With the increasing adoption of robotics in 3D printed implant procedures, rising FDA approvals, and high patient outcomes, the purported growth of the 3D-printing medical devices market at an impressive CAGR of 14.4% during 2017 – 2022 seems most credible.

The next generation of medical 3D printing is set to venture into a combination of 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering to revolutionise organ transplantation.