This video gives insight on a dental medical device’s journey from the prototype phase to production. The device needed to be small enough to image rear teeth, robust enough to replace physical impressions, and had to make precision measurements for prosthetics. The process involved complex optics, steps to ensure hygienic sterilization, high resolution 3D imaging, and more. Download the video to see how it was done.

Developing medical device parts is a high-stakes process, and material choice is an important decision. Five strong contenders include PEEK, PEI, and PPSU; polycarbonates; medical-grade liquid silicone rubber; and 3D-printed titanium and ABS-like WaterShed XC 11122. 

Instead of creating merely conceptual models not durable for long-term use, 3D printing now is being used in machining, injection molding, and other conventional manufacturing processes. This article explores technology leaders in this area, and assesses the production capabilities for each 3D printing process.

Sterolithography (SLA) 3D printing is available in three resolutions (normal, high, and micro) for a range of part geometries. Most parts can be built in normal resolution, but, high resolution may also be required.

The additive manufacturing community is abuzz with discussions of what the future will look like—for aerospace, for medicine, and for countless other fields. By Crystal Morrison, Ph.D.

Given the strong alignment of AM capabilities with the medical device segment’s needs, and the medtech industry’s ability to support investment in new technologies, it is perhaps no surprise that AM has made substantial inroads with health care practitioners and service providers. Our goal here is to investigate ways that AM may influence the trajectory of the medical device segment. By Glenn H. Snyder, Mark J. Cotteleer, and Ben Kotek, Deloitte