Trends in 3D Printing Processes for Biomedical Field: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is considered the latest technology that creates breakthrough innovations and addresses complex medical problems. This is clearly demonstrated by the promising results obtained in regenerative medicine, diagnosis, implants, artificial tissues and organs. This paper provides a basic understanding of the fundamentals of 3D/4D printing along with bioprinting processes. We are briefly discussing about the main printing systems including stereolithography, inkjet 3D printing, extrusion, laser-assisted printing, selective laser melting and Poly-Jet printing. The basic requirements for the selection of successful inks based on polymers, polymer blends, and composites are described. Furthermore, the on-going transition from 3D to 4D printing is highlighted with emphasis on the newest applications in the medical area. Also, a glimpse into the future possibilities and benefits provided by machine learning in the additive manufacturing field is emphasized. Machine learning can improve printing efficiency by using generative design and testing in the pre-fabrication stage. Finally, important limitations and prospects are identified. Within the next few years, AM is set to become an important component in patient-specific medical technologies.

Design and Additive Manufacturing of a Biomimetic Customized Cranial Implant Based on Voronoi Diagram

“…Unlike traditional manufacturing, AM offers novel avenues and has demonstrated the ability to fabricate complex structures with improved accuracy (Sing et al, 2016). The numbers of AM applications, especially in the medical implant manufacturing sector, have quickly increased and are expected to revolutionize health care (Emelogu et al, 2016;Willemsen et al, 2019;Fan et al, 2020;Ghilan et al, 2020). Previous studies have explored the use of CAD modeling and AM to improve both surgical planning and manufacture of customized implants with effective results (Jardini et al, 2014;Dodier et al, 2020;Tel et al, 2020).…”

Prospects for Additive Manufacturing in Contact Lens Devices

“…The workflow shows the steps involved in manufacturing a CL by a 3D printer, beginning from 3D CAD model to the final printing of CL. [ 81 ] i) The CAD model can be developed by SolidWorks, ii) The 3D‐printing tool was used for adding support and creating G‐code or any other file suitable for the specific 3D printer, iii) 3D‐printing using a DLP printer where the print bed is dipped in the resin and UV light is applied to the resin from bottom through a transparent film, iv) Multiple CLs up to 12 printed at a time and attached on the print bed. v) The final CL washed and removed from the print bed which then can be polished and stored.…”

Short-Pulse Lasers: A Versatile Tool in Creating Novel Nano-/Micro-Structures and Compositional Analysis for Healthcare and Wellbeing Challenges

“…and structural properties (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) architecture, surface topography, porosity, etc.) plays a key role in healthcare applications (e.g., tissue engineering and regenerative medicine) [ 37 , 38 ]. Biocompatibility and biodegradability are other properties which have to be considered to limit any rejection or toxicity issues.…”