What are the benefits of using 3D printing in healthcare?

The 3D printer market in India is expected to reach Rs. 79,000 Crore by the end of 2021. Rise in production courtesy the Make in India campaign and the increase in demand across several sectors are considered the main reasons behind this growth. Aerospace, agriculture, industrial equipment manufacturing, healthcare and education are the main sectors that are using this latest technology.

3D printing in healthcare has brought a new wave of technological advancements. The cost-effectiveness and accuracy of this technique already revolutionising the modern healthcare equipment market.

A brief idea about 3D printing

3D printing is a process to give a digital design to a physical object. There are many 3D printing technologies in the market, but the concept for each of them is the same. Objects are blended or deposited in layers to produce a 3D structure. These structures can be made using different materials like plastic, ceramics, liquids, metals, etc.

Benefits of 3D printing in healthcare

3D printing can be a game changer for your medical profession owing to its diverse utilities. Its applications include prototyping, architectural scale models and designing of prosthetics.

Here are the 4 benefits of 3D printing in the medical sector-

• It helps during complex operations

Traditionally manufactured basic equipment are expensive to manufacture, purchase and maintain. They are also prone to inaccuracies, especially if procured from below-par sources.

3D printing, on the other hand, is far more accurate as it creates realistic models. Also, the outputs are less expensive without compromising with quality.

• It helps in manufacturing low-cost prosthetics

Prostheses can be very expensive as they are designed specifically for the specific needs of every individual. 3D printing in healthcare comes with the solution of providing patients with an option of availing low-cost prostheses. There are a lot of designs available online and with 3D printing, the prosthetics can be created with ease even as per required customisations. 3D printers also allow the creation of prostheses with different forms, designs, sizes and colours.

Doctors who are willing to use 3D printing technology to provide their patients with low-cost prostheses can avail financial aid to fund the expenses required to implement such technology. They can avail a loan to obtain the required funds.

• It helps in manufacturing low-cost medical equipment

3D printing in healthcare is also crucial to manufacture medical and lab equipment. The components can be printed in plastic or other viable materials to reduce expenses. 3D printing can serve that purpose and provide the required equipment within a short span of time.

• It helps training future doctors

3D printing can ensure that future doctors get proper training with the human body parts. It is an effective way to increase the skills of the future doctors rather than practising on samples. It increases the quality of the treatment as the doctors get properly trained with this technology.

3D printing in healthcare will continue to improve and enhance the quality of treatment for the patients. It will rise as one of the most used technologies in the next couple of decades to provide affordable alternatives in the healthcare sector.