3D printed prosthetics a booming industry

When it comes to the health industry, one sector that seems to be embracing all the benefits 3D printing brings with it is the 3D printed prosthetics industry. The 3D printed prosthetics industry is booming, thanks to all the benefits and has revolutionized how prosthetics are created.

One thing that is clear is that all humas are made differently and therefore are built uniquely. So when it comes to creating prosthetics, it is easy to see why it is, having the mentality of one-size-fits-all is not the mindset that one needs to have when it comes to the manufacturing prosthetics.

But the reality of the prosthetics sector is that they are created that way.

3D printed Prosthetics unique to each patient

Many patients must resort to standardized prosthetics that are mass produced in order to keep them cheaper and not cost too much for the patients. Additionally, they are also built to last, so they are often quite heavy, this can be a difficult for someone of a smaller stature or lighter weight.

Having a prosthetic that isn’t uniquely built for your body and then is also quite heavy, could cause a certain discomfort for the patients.

Additionally, it becomes even more difficult when you need to apply this same business method for children, who quickly grow out of the standard size and regularly have their prosthetics replaced as they get older. Making the traditional way of manufacturing prosthetics even less adaptable to all these unique situations.

Even after the manufacturing of prosthetics, the development itself is such a gruelling process. It requires the patient to make multiple visits to the doctor. Additionally involves multiple castings, follow-up appointments to fine-tune the fitment.

These visits never seem to end due to the traditional way of manufacturing prosthetics and just makes it very inconvenient for the patients, who must experience these visits, especially if they are sensitive about using prosthetics.

3D printing simplifies the process

So the introduction of 3D printing simplifies the process of manufacturing of prosthetics but also due to it being more possible to create prosthetics unique to each patients, gives it a bit of sophistication.

3D printing prosthetics brings a simple streamlined process but also removes a huge amount of the inconveniences that the traditional ways brought with it, despite not being mass produced as a one-size-fits-all option.

What is most important as well, that it makes it easier for the patients. The amount of times the patients have to visit a doctor for fitting and re-fitting is immensely reduces due to 3D printed prosthetics accuracy.

The patient just needs to visit a clinic once to get scanned by the 3D printing experts, once that process is over, the only other visit is when the prosthetic is done being printed and perfectly fits the patient. Multiple fitting and re-fitting visits are no longer required on a regular basis.

3D printed prosthetics a cost efficient process

With cheaper technology and materials, the manufacturing of prosthetics are now less expensive compared to the traditional way of production. They can quickly create customized sizes and shapes, making it possible for everyone to have a comfortable fit.

This changes and simplifies the process of creating prosthetics but also putting the patients needs at the forefront.

The apprehension for prosthetics may become less if patients are able to customize their 3D printed prosthetics to not only their body but their interests as well with different designs. So it is easy to understand why we see 3D printing as essential and helpful when it comes to the health industry.