If you are in the medical device industry and haven’t adopted 3D printing, your ability to innovate faster than the competition is at a disadvantage. Companies are 3D printing innovative, functional parts and creating new products and categories daily. Take a look at how 3D printing is making waves with external devices and systems.

Custom Prosthetics:

The prosthetic device industry has been significantly disrupted by additive manufacturing. If you have lost a limb or are born with a congenital defect, a conventional prosthetic device could cost you upwards of $7,000. These prosthetics are unaffordable not just to people in developing nations, but to people in the United States. Luckily, 3D printing makes it possible to print a prosthetic device for under $500. Learn more about 3D printing affordable prosthetics on our June 17th webinar with the Helping Hand Project.

Prosthetics Printed on MakerBot 3D Printers

Orthotics:

Orthotic companies are changing from heat molded polypropylene to fully customized orthotics. Unlike traditional orthotic materials (leather, foam and polypropylene), 3D printed materials offer durability, breathability and increased customization.

Multi-Material Prosthetic Sockets:

Stratasys PolyJet printers allow for the creation of multi-material prosthetic sockets. For example, a prosthetic might require flexibility around joints and rigidity to replicate bone and muscle support. We can direct those forces and in a single print, create a device that combines information around gate analysis. This is completely different than traditional hand-formed prosthetic sockets.

 Learn more about 3D printing in healthcare with our Guide: Advancing Healthcare with 3D Printing.