A Report on 3D Printing Technologies in Healthcare and Medicine

This report delves into the realm of 3D printing and its transformative impact on healthcare, drawing from two key research papers. The first paper explores 3D printing technologies in rehabilitation engineering, emphasizing the potential for customized medical products, cost reduction in manufacturing, and the creation of complex structures layer by layer. It highlights the integration of 3D printing with advancements in robotics and medical IT to enhance physiotherapy and rehabilitation. The second paper focuses on innovations in 3D printing, illustrating its applications in producing medical devices such as bionic hands, eyeglasses, and dental implants. It underscores the technology's ability to facilitate mass production and customization, and its potential to screen therapeutic drugs. While both papers acknowledge the benefits of 3D printing, they also recognize the existing limitations and the need for further research to fully realize its potential in the medical field, including organ repair and replacement.

Running head: 3D PRINTING
3D printing
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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Mikołajewska, E., Macko, M., Ziarnecki, Ł., Stańczak, S., Kawalec, P., & Mikołajewski,
D. (2014). 3D printing technologies in rehabilitation engineering.
Link- https://repozytorium.ukw.edu.pl/xmlui/bitstream/handle/item/1300/Mikolajewska
%20Macko%203D%20printing%20technologies%20in%20rehabilitation
%20engineering.pdf?sequence=1
In the article, authors have researched about 3D printing extensively and the impact it
can have in revolutionizing scientific research. It is particularly important in clinical practice
and health sciences. The paper argues that innovation in 3D printing technology would bring
customization of products in the medical field. This may lower the cost of manufacturing and
design process. The main objective of this article is to investigate opportunities that are
available in rehabilitation engineering field and this includes studies, concepts and
observations. In 3D printing various materials are used such as metal, plastics, and ceramics
and living cells. The materials are used in layers for production of a 3D object. There can be
multiple 3D technologies available based on materials and features but the rule concerning
3D technologies is the same which is an object is built vertically layer by layer thereby
allowing the creation of structures that are deemed complex. Because of advances in other
fields such as robotics, medical IT and rehabilitation engineering there has been considerable
advances in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. This is the reason why advances in
physiotherapy and rehabilitation open up scope for advances in 3D technologies. 3D
scanning, 3D printing and other associated technology can help in the betterment of
rehabilitation engineering principles. Although, the scope of the investigation is well
understood there is no specific clarity on the implementation and the cost associated with this
technology.
Schubert, C., Van Langeveld, M. C., & Donoso, L. A. (2014). Innovations in 3D
printing: a 3D overview from optics to organs. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 98(2),
159-161.
Link: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/83a5/52c32e74e380f3a4b6133b48f5736dc6ce10.pdf
In the paper, authors have highlighted innovations in the field of 3D printing. In this
method, materials like metal or plastic are deposited in layers in order to produce 3

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Dimensional object such as a bionic hand or a pair of glasses. The paper differentiates 3D
printing with traditional printing methods. Until now, 3D printing technology has been used
to create engineering prototypes. The paper also mentions that due to innovations in printing
materials, traditionally manufactured items can be compared with objects produced by the 3D
printer. This technology has also provision for mass production and customization of goods
on a large scale. For several medical applications such as in the manufacture of prosthetic
devices, dental implants and eyeglasses, 3D printing has proven its mettle. Authors in this
paper have put increased focus on limitations and applications of 3D printing. The cost of set-
up is minimal in 3D printing and this allows high degree of customization. This basically
means that the price of last item is same as the first one. The paper has put forward the idea
that since cost is low then, this method could be used to screen potential therapeutic drugs
based on 3D printed patient tissue rapidly. These will not only cut time but also production
costs. Potential uses of 3D printing in medicine are immense. Additionally, this technology
can be harnessed to replace or repair defective organs in the human body. This will reduce
the scarcity of organ donors. One of the limitations is that in spite proven benefits, the impact
of this technology in the medicine field is still small.

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Bibliography:
Mikołajewska, E., Macko, M., Ziarnecki, Ł., Stańczak, S., Kawalec, P., & Mikołajewski, D.
(2014). 3D printing technologies in rehabilitation engineering.
Schubert, C., Van Langeveld, M. C., & Donoso, L. A. (2014). Innovations in 3D printing: a
3D overview from optics to organs. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 98(2), 159-
161.