Mark Crawford, Contributing Writer11.04.19
Rapid advances in additive manufacturing/3D printing (AM/3DP) have taken these technologies to the point where medical device companies can produce highly functional and durable metal and polymer components that deliver outstanding performance in the medical end-use environment. AM can simplify complex designs (fewer parts, fewer steps) and utilize new material configurations and alloys. AM-derived products can also comply with current requirements and regulations for testing and validation.
Because of these advances in equipment and materials, forward-thinking medical device manufacturers (MDMs) have made significant investments in additive manufacturing, intent on being first to market with creative new devices that cover a wide range of innovative applications. AM has seen the greatest acceptance in the orthopedic market, especially for creating implantable devices with porous or roughened surfaces that aid osseointegration, as well as disposable surgical guides and bone/anatomy models. Patient-specific implants are also being produced, using detailed imaging data. Spinal companies have also been quick to adopt these additive manufacturing tec
Because of these advances in equipment and materials, forward-thinking medical device manufacturers (MDMs) have made significant investments in additive manufacturing, intent on being first to market with creative new devices that cover a wide range of innovative applications. AM has seen the greatest acceptance in the orthopedic market, especially for creating implantable devices with porous or roughened surfaces that aid osseointegration, as well as disposable surgical guides and bone/anatomy models. Patient-specific implants are also being produced, using detailed imaging data. Spinal companies have also been quick to adopt these additive manufacturing tec
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