February 19, 2024 by SME Communications SME Membership hosted our second Additive Manufacturing Coffee Chat, honing in on the latest advancements in the Medical Field. Here's a summary of the enriching discussion: Micro 3D Printing in Medicine:Attendees highlighted micro 3D printing’s capability to assemble products as minute as 5 microns, facilitating various applications like the mass production of patient-specific pharmaceutical patches. These patches offer a novel approach to medication delivery, particularly beneficial when oral administration isn't viable. The system ensures consistent medication release, potentially revolutionizing patient care. Position-Specific 3D-Printed Helmets:Another notable advancement emerged unexpectedly during a football game. Observing athletes donning distinctive helmets during the NFL Conference championship games sparked curiosity among participants. Further investigation revealed these helmets as cutting-edge prototypes, tailored with position-specific 3D printed padding for enhanced protection, showcasing additive manufacturing's versatility. Challenges in Adopting AM in Medicine:At the heart of the conversation was the challenge of convincing senior management about additive manufacturing’s (AM) return on investment. Quantifying the benefits proves challenging, as they often transcend conventional metrics. Artificial intelligence emerged as a potential tool for tracking such data, albeit with its own set of implementation barriers. Materials in AM:Attendees shared insights on AM materials, primarily focusing on polymers and metals. Ongoing research exploring biomaterials was referenced, underscoring the diverse avenues being explored in this field. Strength & Longevity of 3D-Printed Parts:Towards the discussion's conclusion, questions arose regarding the durability of 3D-printed parts compared to traditionally machined counterparts. Insights were shared, revealing that with appropriate post-process treatment, additive manufactured parts can exhibit enhanced strength and performance. Contrary to intuition, the layered nature of 3D printed parts, coupled with annealing processes, minimizes internal stresses, resulting in improved mechanical properties. Application in Point of Care Services:The potential application of additive manufacturing in point-of-care services, particularly in emergency medicine, was explored. While current limitations prevent real-time integration in acute care settings, opportunities arise for personalized additive manufactured components in subsequent treatment stages, showcasing a promising future trajectory.
