3D Printing - Transforming Healthcare, Episode 3, Part 1
Timestops (10)
Tools Used
Topic Overview
Key Takeaways
- 3D printing uses additive manufacturing to build objects layer-by-layer from digital files using plastics, metals, ceramics, or biologics
- The technology works opposite to traditional subtractive manufacturing by adding material rather than cutting it away
- Primary current application remains prototyping, though production use is expanding across multiple industries including healthcare
- Medical applications include prosthetics, medical devices, anatomical models, and spare parts for equipment in resource-limited settings
- Process requires creating a 3D digital model via software or scanning, then printing with chosen materials to create predetermined shapes
Keywords
Hashtags
Transcript
Hey everyone, we are back with a new episode of our transforming healthcare series, where we introduce new technologies that we believe will transform healthcare. Today, we're talking about 3D printing. 3D printing is a process of making solid, three-dimensional objects from a digital file. The process works by laying down thin layers of materials, then fusing those layers together to create an object that range in size, shape, rigidity, and color. So, the first step for 3D printing would be to create a 3D digital model, which can be created using a variety of 3D software or just scanned with a 3D scanner. Then, you can use a 3D printer with any materials that you want your final product to be, like plastics, metals, ceramics, even biologic materials. And layer by layer, the printer will create the predetermined shape. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. 3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which is cutting out, hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with, for instance, a milling machine. Even though 3D printing has matured into an excellent solution for many kinds of production parts in recent years, prototyping is still probably the largest application of 3D printing today. Starting from the early days of creation, 3D printing has been used in many industries, like aerospace, automotive, architecture, jewelry, art, design, fashion, and medical field. More recently, 3D printing has been used in humanitarian and development sector to produce a range of medical items, prosthetics as spares and repairs. Stay tuned for our next video, where we will focus on the applications of 3D printing in healthcare. Download the StakeCare app, follow us on social media, and subscribe on YouTube channel. And remember, knowledge should be free.