The results of 3D printing are commonly so mind-boggling that the first descriptor brought to mind is \u201cmagical,\u201d especially when considering the staggering potential in bioprinting. While the ultimate quest for so many researchers is in achieving the true 3D printing of human organs, there are already countless breakthroughs being made with 3D printed tissue\u2014from the liver or kidney, as examples. Once that holy grail is reached it may not look anything like we once expected, but it is just a matter of time before highly functioning 3D printed organs are transplanted into human bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In reality, there is no wizardry involved. Instead, it\u2019s all about that perfect combination of advanced technology, advanced materials, innovation, and the tenacity required to make a difference. The secret to success lies in patient-specific treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Medical models<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe use of 3D\nprinted medical models is multi-layered, and enormously useful. Not only do\nsurgeons benefit by capturing a more detailed picture of rare conditions like\nbrain tumors, but there are extremely valuable educational uses for everyone\ninvolved. While the doctor is able to diagnose and plot a course of treatment,\nthey are also able to use a detailed visual aid to explain to the patient what\nis happening in the body, where, and how treatment and any possible surgery\nwill be performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The value for being able to rely on medical models rather than waiting for the availability of cadavers is extraordinary. Realistic, anatomically correct 3D printed models act as advanced training aids for medical students overall, but especially future surgeons. Experienced surgeons may also find themselves training with 3D printed models for weeks at a time as they prepare for rare or completely new procedures. This type of pre-planning means more streamlined procedures, less time in the operating room, and great advantage to the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Materials used for medical models<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMultiJet Fusion PA12<\/a> \u2013 Suitable for the creation of complex medical models, this versatile material is strong and durable\u2014both important characteristics for parts that tend to be handled a lot over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProsthetics, orthotics & exterior devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"3d](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/natasha-long-prosthetic-leg-by-melissa-ng.jpg\")
3D printed prosthetic leg<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n3D printing has made an enormous impact in applications like prosthetics, orthotics, and exterior devices like knee braces. In prosthetics especially, quality of life can be improved for patients who may not have been able to afford limb replacements previously or did not want to wear them due to self-consciousness. For children and individuals of all ages in developing countries, the ability to offer extremely affordable prosthetics that can be made fast is life-changing. These devices can be completely customized to the wearer, offering unprecedented comfort\u2014and in many cases, better options for style too that encourage the patient to actually use their prosthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Orthotics can be made affordably and quickly with completely customized fit. As with prosthetics for children, the ability to 3D print new devices easily is a huge advantage in terms of growth spurts. This is also a huge departure from the past when some devices may have been fitted using conventional technology, with the child outgrowing prosthetics or orthotics before they were even delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Materials used<\/strong> for prosthetics, orthotics & exterior devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNylon 11<\/a> \u2013 Offering high tensile strength, durability, and impact resistance, this nylon plastic is used to 3D print exterior medical devices like braces\u2014used with selective laser sintering (SLS).<\/p>\n\n\n\nNylon 12<\/a> [Versatile Plastic] \u2013 commonly used for prosthetics with (SLS) 3D printing, this nylon plastic is both strong and flexible, and lives up to its name in offering high-performance for a wide range of products.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMJF Plastic PA12<\/a> \u2013 Used with multi jet fusion technology, strong mechanical properties, durability, and stiffness make this nylon plastic popular for 3D printing prosthetics and other complex structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMJF Plastic PA12 Glass Beads<\/a> \u2013 Used with MJF for medical braces, this 40 percent glass-filled material is suitable for parts requiring excellence in dimensional accuracy as well as strength. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSurgical guides and tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe use of 3D printed surgical guides\nand tools is again based around intensive customization, allowing for\npatient-specific treatment. Today, a wide array of guides and tools can be\nmanufactured to streamline surgery, as well as dental procedures. The intent is\nto give the surgeon a comprehensive plan to follow during any procedure,\nwhether performing hip replacements, knee replacements, dental surgeries, or\nother operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3D printed surgical tools may include items like clamps and grasping devices, retractors, hemostats, and handles and other supporting features. The ability to customize these designs offers huge advantages to surgeons who may need to modify tools depending on procedures or their own preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Materials used<\/strong> for surgical guides and tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNylon 12<\/a> [Versatile Plastic] \u2013 Used with SLS technology to 3D print strong 3D printed surgical guides and tools, this material is very popular in a wide range of applications due to its ability to be flexible for thinner parts while stiff for thicker parts and prototypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStainless Steel 316L<\/a> \u2013 Suitable for surgical tools, this industrial metal is corrosion-resistant and extremely strong, used with binder jetting technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMulti-color 3D printing for complex models<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"3D](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/BiologicModels-Blog-2-1120x684.jpg\")
3D printed protein models by Biologic Models<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFor several years now, Shapeways has offered full-color prints via the Stratasys J750 printer. Casey Steffen of Biologic Models<\/a>, for example, relies on complex 3D printed protein models and 3D medical animations for his business. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUsing\ntransparent plastic with the J750 allows for clear visualizations of the\n\u201cdelicate internal protein structures\u201d Steffen and his customers must examine.\n3D printing in color is also an extremely valuable tool for color coding\nmodels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith a color-coded model, an educator can easily explain how a\ncertain drug functions, the property of the protein, or how mutation changes\nprotein behavior by pointing directly to a color-coded spot,\u201d said Steffen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cColor 3D-printed protein models paint a more vibrant picture of an otherwise invisible molecular universe. Transparency and color coding are necessary features to create high quality, durable models.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks to the J750, I will be able to\nprint multi-colored transparent scientific models while completely eliminating\na costly and time-consuming fabrication and assembly process. It\u2019s a game\nchanger for me and my customers,\u201d said Steffen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voytek partners with Shapeways to 3D print medical cable organizers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Voytek](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DSC_0519-1120x747.jpg\")
Image by Voytek Medical<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nMost patients leave the hospital or a busy doctor\u2019s office with a vision of medical equipment and cords and cables snaking everywhere. With an obvious need for better organization, Voytek Medical<\/a> began working with Shapeways to 3D print products for locking in patient cables to protect medical equipment usually attached to monitors or roll stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVoytek was able to try out new products for their line, and\naffordably so, allowing them to grow at their own pace and settle on the best\nmaterials for the specific needs of their customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVoytek Medical has been using Shapeways in every stage\nof production, from concept to prototype and end-user products,\u201d said the\nVoytek team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the trial-and-error phase of our designing, the use of extrusion desktop 3D printing in ABS was the best option available to us at the time. This material was far from precise, very brittle, and the layers tended to separate over time. From that point, stereolithography was used that brought us into the world of really designing with a purpose and good quality.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Medical 3D printing requires advanced tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you look back\nover the previous few decades, materials have not changed all that much, from\nthermoplastics to metal. The ways in which they are used has changed immensely\nthough\u2014whether in manufacturing 3D printed models or devices like prosthetics,\nimplants, or molds. 3D printing means combining advanced materials with\nadvanced technology for manufacturing high-performance parts at an accelerated\nrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MultiJet Fusion PA12<\/a> \u2013 Suitable for the creation of complex medical models, this versatile material is strong and durable\u2014both important characteristics for parts that tend to be handled a lot over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3D printing has made an enormous impact in applications like prosthetics, orthotics, and exterior devices like knee braces. In prosthetics especially, quality of life can be improved for patients who may not have been able to afford limb replacements previously or did not want to wear them due to self-consciousness. For children and individuals of all ages in developing countries, the ability to offer extremely affordable prosthetics that can be made fast is life-changing. These devices can be completely customized to the wearer, offering unprecedented comfort\u2014and in many cases, better options for style too that encourage the patient to actually use their prosthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Orthotics can be made affordably and quickly with completely customized fit. As with prosthetics for children, the ability to 3D print new devices easily is a huge advantage in terms of growth spurts. This is also a huge departure from the past when some devices may have been fitted using conventional technology, with the child outgrowing prosthetics or orthotics before they were even delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nylon 11<\/a> \u2013 Offering high tensile strength, durability, and impact resistance, this nylon plastic is used to 3D print exterior medical devices like braces\u2014used with selective laser sintering (SLS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nylon 12<\/a> [Versatile Plastic] \u2013 commonly used for prosthetics with (SLS) 3D printing, this nylon plastic is both strong and flexible, and lives up to its name in offering high-performance for a wide range of products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MJF Plastic PA12<\/a> \u2013 Used with multi jet fusion technology, strong mechanical properties, durability, and stiffness make this nylon plastic popular for 3D printing prosthetics and other complex structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MJF Plastic PA12 Glass Beads<\/a> \u2013 Used with MJF for medical braces, this 40 percent glass-filled material is suitable for parts requiring excellence in dimensional accuracy as well as strength. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The use of 3D printed surgical guides\nand tools is again based around intensive customization, allowing for\npatient-specific treatment. Today, a wide array of guides and tools can be\nmanufactured to streamline surgery, as well as dental procedures. The intent is\nto give the surgeon a comprehensive plan to follow during any procedure,\nwhether performing hip replacements, knee replacements, dental surgeries, or\nother operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3D printed surgical tools may include items like clamps and grasping devices, retractors, hemostats, and handles and other supporting features. The ability to customize these designs offers huge advantages to surgeons who may need to modify tools depending on procedures or their own preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nylon 12<\/a> [Versatile Plastic] \u2013 Used with SLS technology to 3D print strong 3D printed surgical guides and tools, this material is very popular in a wide range of applications due to its ability to be flexible for thinner parts while stiff for thicker parts and prototypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stainless Steel 316L<\/a> \u2013 Suitable for surgical tools, this industrial metal is corrosion-resistant and extremely strong, used with binder jetting technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For several years now, Shapeways has offered full-color prints via the Stratasys J750 printer. Casey Steffen of Biologic Models<\/a>, for example, relies on complex 3D printed protein models and 3D medical animations for his business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using\ntransparent plastic with the J750 allows for clear visualizations of the\n\u201cdelicate internal protein structures\u201d Steffen and his customers must examine.\n3D printing in color is also an extremely valuable tool for color coding\nmodels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith a color-coded model, an educator can easily explain how a\ncertain drug functions, the property of the protein, or how mutation changes\nprotein behavior by pointing directly to a color-coded spot,\u201d said Steffen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cColor 3D-printed protein models paint a more vibrant picture of an otherwise invisible molecular universe. Transparency and color coding are necessary features to create high quality, durable models.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThanks to the J750, I will be able to\nprint multi-colored transparent scientific models while completely eliminating\na costly and time-consuming fabrication and assembly process. It\u2019s a game\nchanger for me and my customers,\u201d said Steffen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most patients leave the hospital or a busy doctor\u2019s office with a vision of medical equipment and cords and cables snaking everywhere. With an obvious need for better organization, Voytek Medical<\/a> began working with Shapeways to 3D print products for locking in patient cables to protect medical equipment usually attached to monitors or roll stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voytek was able to try out new products for their line, and\naffordably so, allowing them to grow at their own pace and settle on the best\nmaterials for the specific needs of their customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVoytek Medical has been using Shapeways in every stage\nof production, from concept to prototype and end-user products,\u201d said the\nVoytek team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn the trial-and-error phase of our designing, the use of extrusion desktop 3D printing in ABS was the best option available to us at the time. This material was far from precise, very brittle, and the layers tended to separate over time. From that point, stereolithography was used that brought us into the world of really designing with a purpose and good quality.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you look back\nover the previous few decades, materials have not changed all that much, from\nthermoplastics to metal. The ways in which they are used has changed immensely\nthough\u2014whether in manufacturing 3D printed models or devices like prosthetics,\nimplants, or molds. 3D printing means combining advanced materials with\nadvanced technology for manufacturing high-performance parts at an accelerated\nrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProsthetics, orthotics & exterior devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Materials used<\/strong> for prosthetics, orthotics & exterior devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Surgical guides and tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Materials used<\/strong> for surgical guides and tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Multi-color 3D printing for complex models<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Voytek partners with Shapeways to 3D print medical cable organizers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical 3D printing requires advanced tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"learn](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/learn-more_.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n