The medical industry is leading the way when it comes to additive manufacturing. It is also the industry that’s quick to adopt the latest technologies and methods in additive manufacturing. The dual benefits of additive manufacturing – customization and freedom of design – are a perfect fit for the medical sector.
Some of the main applications of additive manufacturing in the medical industry include:
Dentistry
Dentistry is the biggest market for additive manufacturing. From braces and bridges to crowns and dentures, additive manufacturing is making huge inroads in the manufacture of complex, customized dental solutions.
Dental products can be easily customized with additive manufacturing for a perfect fit. Dental labs can now rely on the scan of a patient’s mouth to build tailored, accurate solutions for dental issues of all kinds. What’s more, they can be printed using an array of materials whether it is rigid titanium or flexible polymers.
Hearing Aids
Personalization and low volume are the biggest obstacles to manufacturing hearing aids and that’s where 3D manufacturing offers the perfect solution. With additive manufacturing, it’s possible to make hearing aids tailored to the user.
Orthotics and Prosthetics
This is another area where additive manufacturing has made a huge impact. With 3D manufacturing, customers have access to prosthetics and orthotics customized for function, fit and aesthetic. A prosthetic could replace a body part either externally (such as a missing limb) or internally (like the hip joint).
Prosthetic limbs made using traditional manufacturing techniques offered limited customization options. They were prohibitively expensive, offered limited functionality and required extensive measurements, test fitting and intricate workmanship, making them out of reach for more people.
Orthotics are customized products that correct alignment issues or provide additional support to the wearer’s bone structure. 3D printed orthotics using modern polymers are lightweight, strong, durable and flexible for maximum comfort. They are used to help mitigate foot pain caused by conditions like arthritis, diabetes or plantar fasciitis.
TMetal Offers a Full Range of Materials for Additive Manufacturing
Here at TMetal, we take great pride in being at the forefront of technology. We aid innovation in additive manufacturing through our extensive range of products.
Our metal powders offer excellent biocompatibility and are ideal for applications in the medical sector. Our products include cobalt-based powders such as CoCrW, and CoCrMo, titanium powders such as TC4, and stainless steels 17-4PH and 316L.
If you are looking for high-quality metal powders or need advisory services that aim for success in your surgical applications, get in touch with us today.
