3d printing

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3D Printing in Medicine

3D Printing (pronunciation: /θriː diː ˈprɪntɪŋ/), also known as additive manufacturing (pronunciation: /ˈædɪtɪv ˌmæn.jʊˈfæk.tʃərɪŋ/), is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The term "3D printing" was coined in the 1990s, with the technology itself dating back to the 1980s. The term is derived from the process, which involves the creation of an object by adding material layer by layer, hence the term "additive".

In the field of medicine, 3D printing has a wide range of applications. It is used in the creation of medical devices, prosthetics, bioprinting of tissues and organs, and in pharmaceutical research.

Medical Devices

3D printing is used to create custom medical devices such as hearing aids, dental implants, and surgical instruments. These devices are designed to fit the specific needs of individual patients, improving comfort and functionality.

Prosthetics

Prosthetics created through 3D printing are often more affordable and accessible than traditional methods. They can be customised to fit the patient perfectly, improving comfort and usability.

Bioprinting

Bioprinting is a sub-category of 3D printing, where biological materials are combined to create structures that imitate natural tissues and organs. This has potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Pharmaceutical Research

3D printing is also used in pharmaceutical research, where it can be used to create drugs with complex structures. This can allow for more targeted drug delivery and potentially reduce side effects.

See Also

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