3D printing is a manufacturing process that creates a three-dimensional object from a digital file. These objects can range from food items to automotive devices to houses, and everything in between.
Invented in the 1980s by Charles Hull, the healthcare industry in particular has been transformed by 3D printing. Today, it’s used to create medical devices, prosthetics and detailed anatomical models for surgical planning, all of which have transformed patient care.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
3D printing uses specialized equipment to produce solid, three-dimensional objects from a digital file. The object is printed layer by layer, often with polymer or plastic, to create the unique three-dimensional shape with a high level of detail. Some 3D objects are printed using metal, plaster, wood, cement or even food as the material.
Like traditional printers, there are a variety of 3D printing technologies. These vary depending on the type of object, functionality and material. The three primary types of plastic 3D printing are stereolithograpy (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM).
What Are the Benefits of 3D Printing?
3D printing has been adopted by nearly every industry and offers innovative solutions to common challenges. With 3D printing, healthcare providers have the ability to quickly produce 3D models with a high level of precision and customization.
At GPI 3D Anatomy, we’re harnessing the power of 3D printing to develop hyper-realistic anatomy models using real patient scans. Our tools help improve patient care, allowing surgeons to plan and provide superior personalized care, as well as to educate and train the next generation of medical providers.