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3-D printing could positively affect millions of lives if harnessed correctly

As the cost of 3-D printing decreases, the impact on surgical care could be massive, resulting in a higher quality of health care worldwide.

Although 3-D printing has existed for 3 decades, it has only recently become inexpensive enough for use by the general public.

Michigan Technological University has begun compiling an open library of 3-D–printed components for optical devices.

The printers use many numerous thin layers of material to build items.

The types of printers include Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and stererolithography, which differ in the material used and how the layers bond together.

SLS utilizes powder-based materials and a laser to draw the desired object in powder, then binds new layers of powder to create the object.

FDM operates similarly to an inkjet printer, according to researchers, using printer heads to drop melted plastic in layers.

Photoreactive polymers are used in stereolithography, using a base layer followed by additional layers.

In medical research, 3-D printing can be used to help understand physiological processes and complex pathologies relating to various conditions.

It can also be used to simulate in vivo conditions, and emulate the physical properties of blood vessels with silicon or polyurethane. Bioprinting has also seen many advancements related to 3-D printing, which can be used to make body parts and organs with high accuracy.

Physicians-in-training and patients can benefit by the construction of precise human anatomical models in the educational setting, for a better understanding of human tissues and structures.

For patient care, 3-D models can also encourage improved preoperative planning.

The researchers said they are most excited about the potential for developing customized devices such as implants and prosthetics.

Many impressive nonmedical uses exist as well, such as building entire homes, flooring, plumbing and electrical devices.

In 2014, it was announced at the Consumer Electronics Symposium that two food-creating 3-D printers will be released later this year.

This technology has the life-saving potential, especially in the developing world, to serve many malnourished children worldwide.

3-D printing also helps eliminate the need for developing countries to ship large supplies from overseas, especially in rural communities away from major cities or ports.

One 3-D printing technology includes VaxBeads. The printed beads represent different vaccines, which patients wear as a bracelet to serve as a visual medical chart. This technology won Michigan Technological University’s Printer for Peace Contest.

A prosthetic arm produced by 3-D printing at the research firm “Not Impossible” takes only 6 hours to make and costs $100.

Filabot is improving the sustainability and environmental impact of 3-D printing by melting existing plastic waste into the filament thus recycling and producing more filaments.

By 2019, the worldwide market for 3-D printing is expected to double to more than $6 billion.

There are many untapped applications for 3-D printing in medicine and other industries, but if harnessed correctly, millions of people may positively benefit, according to researchers. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.