3D Printers and Medical Field

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In the medical field, 3D printers are one of the most active technologies used in many purposes in many department.

The main advantage of 3D printers is reducing the cost and time required to print specific models. Also, there is no need to hire a third-party. Ultimately, many printers are not large and can be installed in the office or the clinic.

Let’s see how most of the medical community use 3D printers.

Building communication models

Many companies working in the medical field have opted for 3D printing to facilitate communication and discussion. So, both patients and physicians on the team can see a clearer picture and make treatment in the same direction.

There are a variety of modeling methods. The most popular of which is to use a CT scan to collect patient data, convert it into a 3D file, and then print it out. The important thing is that we can modify or print the model many times at a very low cost and time.

Print Model for an anatomy education

Most of the time, SLA printers or resin-based printers are used in orthopedics, thoracic surgery, vascular, OMFS oncology, urology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics. The high-precision laser is used for machining. This gives the model the most detailed and detailed visibility.

In cases where the patient’s anatomies are very complex, 3D images or scans may not be enough, a 3D printer can be used here.

Digital dentistry

Considered as one of the main advantages of a 3D printer that has it all. In dentistry where specialized model production, high precision, and high resolution are required, a 3D printer can greatly simplify any dental workflow.

What are the steps in digital dentistry?

• Scan: Digitally collect patient anatomic data using oral scanners. Send scans to the lab. Issue digital prescriptions Send to 3D design teams.

• Design: Send scanned data to CAD software and design in a realistic way.

• Print: Put the designed CAD file into your 3D print preparation software. Set up the printer. Select the resin material used, and start printing.
• Preparation: In the last step, before putting the model into operation, you need to clean the model. Then, rinse the residual resin with an IPA washer. Finally, dry it with a UV light to make the model strong and not easily broken.

Besides printing prototype models or printing a model of a patient’s teeth, nowadays, we can also make denture parts or crowns.

In addition to 3D modeling, it can be used in a variety of medical industries.  For example, surgical planning, device construction, surgical manuals, training, metal part fabrication and prosthesis construction. If you are in the medical industry and want a new solution to enhance your work, contact us for more information.