Medical 3D Printing
Accelerate medical device product development and market introductions using additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping and low-volume production
Certification + Compliance
ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 13485 (DMLS only, via Manufacturing partners)
3D Printing Capabilities for Medical Device Development
3D printing technologies represent a focus where advances in medical innovation meet the cutting edge of digital manufacturing. Our diverse 3D printing processes support customers in the medical industry, allowing you to:
- Design for additive manufacturability (DfAM) with feedback on every quote
- Ensure quality certification: ISO 9001:2015 ISO 14001:2015
- Our DLMS manufacturing partners certified with ISO 13485
- Manufacture small, complex, and intricate part geometries
- Prototype rapidly using end-use materials, such as high-temperature plastics, thermoplastics, and elastomeric materials
- Use post-processing options such as heat treatment and vapor smoothing to improve mechanical properties and visual aspect of the parts
3D Printing Processes for Medical Applications
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)Also known as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), this powder-bed fusion process produces high-resolution metal parts and enables rapid design and iteration of metal instruments. DMLS makes it possible to design specialised, end-use surgical tools and have them in a surgeon’s hands within days, although actual timelines and feasibility depend on post-processing, sterilisation, and regulatory requirements. |
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Stereolithography (SLA)SLA uses a UV laser to solidify resin held in a tank. If precision is important, SLA provides high accuracy and can yield features as small as 0.025 mm. SLA offers some unique material options, such as ultra-high resolution MicroFine™ in green, and rugged Ceramic-Like Advanced HighTemp (PerFORM). |
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Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)MJF offers material versatility and creates complex, functional parts with highly isotropic properties. This process allows for printing of multiple parts within the same build. The end-use parts can include lightweight, yet strong, prosthetics that allow for sterilisation and autoclaving. |
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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)SLS is not unlike its cousin DMLS in that it uses a laser to solidify powder in a bed, but the materials here are plastics. It produces accurate prototypes and functional production parts in as fast as 1 day using a variety of nylon materials and TPU. It quickly builds highly durable final parts in materials that exhibit heat resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, and dimensional stability. Vapor smoothing is available as a post-processing option to eliminate rough surfaces and yield a glossy finish. |
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PolyJetThis process allows for the use of multiple colors or durometers in a single part build and can even do that within a single build layer. For the medical industry it makes sense when prototyping orthopedic implants and dental prostheses for fit-testing. You can even create soft grips on hard plastic surgical instruments. |
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Carbon DLSCarbon DLS parts have all the advantages of other 3D printing technologies, including the ability to create highly organic forms. Carbon DLS goes further, however, by offering greater speed than stereolithography, near-isotropic parts (equal strength along all axes), and high-resolution features using production-grade material, so it is a great choice for end-use parts. |
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3D Printing Materials for Medical Applications
| With dozens of materials to choose from, including metals and other unique options mentioned above, you can easily find the right material for your project. This chart compares the primary properties of each, highlighting the similarities and differences. |
Plastics and Elastomers
ABS-Like White, Translucent, Gray, and BlackThese durable material options offer the tightest tolerances available for any of the 3D printing technologies.Learn More |
Advanced PhotopolymersFor applications that require biocompatibility and advanced mechanical properties, explore our expanding list of advanced photopolymers. |
Functionally Clear (ABS-Like Clear / Translucent)Watershed XC 11122 can be custom-finished for functional clarity.Learn More |
Micro-ResolutionMicroFine™ is an exclusive material used to build complex 3D-printed parts with micro-sized features as small as 0.07 mm.
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Metals
AluminumUsed where strength and low weight are required. |
Inconel 718A high-strength, corrosion-resistant nickel-chromium superalloy ideal for parts exposed to extreme temperatures and mechanical loads. |
Stainless Steel 316LCorrosion-resistant with high tensile strength and good heat tolerance. |
TitaniumHigh strength and excellent biocompatibility make titanium a top choice for many medical components and instruments. |
3D Printing Applications in the Medical Industry
| Thanks to advancements in additive manufacturing technologies, the medical industry is continuously leveraging 3D printing for a wide array of innovative products. |
Enclosures and Housings
3D printing allows for rapid prototyping and production of customised housings. This enables manufacturers to quickly iterate and test designs and produce intricate shapes other manufacturing methods cannot.
Microfluidics
3D printing is an excellent choice due to its ability to fabricate complex, multi-layered internal channels and geometries with high precision. It offers a fast, cost-effective way to produce intricate microfluidic parts that require very fine, accurate structures.
Prosthetic components
3D printing is uniquely suited to manufacturing prosthetics because it excels at creating custom-fit, lightweight, and affordable parts. This significantly improves comfort and functionality, especially for growing children who need frequent replacements.
Surgical instruments
On-demand production of patient-specific and procedure-specific tools is a core use for medical 3D printing. It can improve surgical precision and efficiency, reduce costs, and allow for the development of specialised instruments with complex features not possible with conventional methods.
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