3D printing moved beyond prototyping industrial parts long ago. Today it\u2019s widely used in medicine \u2014 from preparing for complex operations to making individual orthopaedic devices. And importantly, most of these solutions are available not only to large clinics but also to small medical practices, private doctors and even students.<\/p>\n
In this article we look at specific scenarios for using 3D printing in medical practice, suggest which materials suit each task and explain how to order the model you need.<\/p>\n
One of the most valuable uses of 3D printing in medicine is creating accurate anatomical models from computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The surgeon gets a physical copy of a specific patient\u2019s bone, organ or vascular system before the procedure begins.<\/p>\n
This makes it possible to:<\/p>\n
Printing in PLA<\/strong> is usually enough for such models \u2014 the material is inexpensive, reproduces geometry well and can be painted to highlight areas of interest. If high detail is needed (for example, small blood vessels or complex bone structure), it\u2019s worth choosing SLA resin printing<\/a> \u2014 it offers accuracy down to 0.05 mm.<\/p>\n Medical schools and continuing education courses need a large number of visual aids. 3D printing makes it possible to create accurate copies of organs, bones, joints and pathologies \u2014 at a much lower cost than traditional anatomical models.<\/p>\n The advantages of printed teaching models:<\/p>\n PLA<\/strong> is optimal for teaching purposes \u2014 it\u2019s safe, has no strong smell and comes in a wide range of colours. Read more about the properties of different plastics on the 3D printing materials<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Surgical guides are individual templates that are fixed to the patient\u2019s anatomy during an operation and show the exact position and angle for drilling, cutting or placing an implant.<\/p>\n They are most often used in:<\/p>\n Accuracy is critical for guides, so SLA printing<\/strong> is recommended here. Medical-grade resins achieve the required geometric fit and may also be compatible with autoclave sterilisation (depending on the type of resin).<\/p>\n Not every 3D-printed item can be sterilised by standard methods. PLA deforms at temperatures above 60 \u00b0C, so for items that will come into contact with the surgical field, either special resins or PETG<\/strong>, which withstands temperatures up to 80 \u00b0C, are used. We\u2019ll help you choose the best material for each specific case.<\/p>\n In dentistry, 3D printing is replacing plaster impressions: the mouth is scanned and a jaw model is printed from the digital data. Such models are needed to:<\/p>\n Clear aligners rely on printing too: after the dental arch is scanned, software breaks the tooth movement into stages, a model is printed for each one, and a clear tray is formed on it.<\/p>\n Important:<\/strong> FDM printing with plastic filament is suitable for planning and teaching models, prototypes, external orthoses and device housings. Implants and items in contact with tissue inside the body are made with other technologies \u2014 SLA, SLS or metal printing \u2014 from certified biocompatible materials.<\/p>\n 3D printing makes it possible to produce individual orthopaedic devices adapted to a specific patient\u2019s anatomy. Unlike standard mass-produced items, printed orthoses follow the shape of the limb perfectly, providing better support and comfort.<\/p>\n Typical items:<\/p>\n The best material is PETG<\/strong>. It\u2019s stronger than PLA, has some flexibility, is resistant to moisture and sweat and copes with moderate mechanical loads.<\/p>\n 3D printing doesn\u2019t replace full prosthetics, but it can quickly create a temporary prosthesis for a patient waiting for a permanent one. This is especially relevant for children\u2019s prosthetics \u2014 children grow quickly, and being able to print a new prosthesis promptly at minimal cost is a significant advantage.<\/p>\n Besides prostheses, 3D printing is useful for making assistive devices:<\/p>\n Hospitals and clinics often need non-standard solutions for organising the workspace. Off-the-shelf holders don\u2019t always suit specific equipment or the layout of a room. 3D printing solves this problem:<\/p>\n PETG<\/strong> is mostly used for these items \u2014 it\u2019s strong enough, resistant to disinfectants and has a smooth surface that\u2019s easy to clean.<\/p>\n A detailed description of each material, its properties and applications is on the materials<\/a> page.<\/p>\n If you have a ready-made 3D model (STL, OBJ, STEP), send it to us and we\u2019ll choose the best material and printing technology. If you only have medical data (DICOM files from CT or MRI), we\u2019ll tell you who can convert them into a print-ready 3D model.<\/p>\n We work with individual doctors and clinics as well as with educational institutions. Special terms apply to batch orders (for example, a set of teaching models for a department).<\/p>\nTeaching models for medical students<\/h2>\n
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Surgical guides and templates<\/h2>\n
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An important note on sterilisation<\/h3>\n
Dentistry: jaw models, aligners, templates<\/h2>\n
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Orthopaedic devices: splints, orthoses, braces<\/h2>\n
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Temporary prostheses and functional assistive devices<\/h2>\n
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Holders for medical instruments and custom equipment mounts<\/h2>\n
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Which material to choose: a quick guide<\/h2>\n
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How to order 3D printing for medical needs<\/h2>\n