3D Printing Is Hot Topic for Cleveland Clinic

3D Printing could play a larger role in healthcare in the future, but is more suited to developing custom implants than mass producing products, according to a panel of experts at the Advance Design & Manufacturing Expo. Peter O’Neill, Cleveland Clinic Innovations’s executive director spoke about the process and gave a real world example of how it could be very helpful for patients. “What I observe is that the cost is still not competitive with traditional manufacturing from our standpoint,” O’Neill said. “What I see is that the inflection point where 3D printing becomes cost competitive is around 100 units.” 3D printing refer to processes in which material is joined or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, with material being added together. Join us at the BIOMEDevice Boston Expo,  April 18–19, 2018. Use promo code "MDDI" for 20% off conference registration and free expo access.  Several companies have invested heavily in the 3D printing space. Conformis has developed its business around 3D printing and develops custom total knee replacement implants for its customers. The company uses a CT scan as a part of the ConforMIS iFIT Image-to-Implant process. A 3D model based on the scan image is used to build customized implants. In April of last year, Johnson & Johnson's DePuy Synthes made a significant investment in the space when it acquired an early-stage 3D printing technology aimed at healing bone defects. The New B...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: 3-D Printing Design Source Type: news