TECHNOLOGY
50
3D printing can bring massive benefits to the healthcare sector . Not only does it provide a more personalised form of care for chronic conditions , but it can also speed up processes and relieve budgetary pressures on healthcare services . Its revolutionary potential isn ’ t going unnoticed . In a study by Ricoh which explored the impact new printing technologies are having on European healthcare systems , 68 % of healthcare professionals believe new printing technologies have the potential to fundamentally transform the health sector .
3D printing , also called additive manufacturing , is a process that turns a digital 3D drawing into an actual object , with the 3D printer building this out of thin , horizontally sliced layers . The ability to produce complex shapes and levels of structural detail involved means that customised models can be made for patients .
There are different types of 3D printing technologies available which use different materials , and together , these have all made a disruptive impact on the health sector . These include :
‘Health organisations must take a peoplecentered approach to implementing these new processes , ensuring everyone understands how to utilise new technology in the right way in order to maximise its potential ’
MARCH 2019