Manufacturing Magazine May 2019 | Page 51

CLICK TO WATCH : THE RICOH AM S5500P IS THE FUTURE IN A RANGE OF INDUSTRIES SUCH AS AEROSPACE AND MEDICAL
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• Orthotics and prosthetics – additional components for parts of the body that need to behave mechanically , such as limbs
• Implants – such as bone and dental grafts
• Pre-operative models – used to guide and help surgeons understand what to do in a procedure
A key advantage of 3D printing is that it produces bespoke models , which is crucial in improving patient outcomes . Take the example of inserting a cranial plate . Through 3D printing , the plate can be made to precise fit using available scan data . Additionally , the model can be manufactured in advance , meaning the surgery is a lot smoother and quicker . This also yields distinct benefits for the patient , with the customised implant fitting perfectly , subsequently reducing the chances of infection and speeding up the recovery process .
For these reasons , 3D printing is an extremely cost-effective solution . Complications cost the NHS a huge amount of money every year . If the 3D model can ultimately improve patient outcomes and help people to live
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