Glossary Term
Additive Manufacturing
Definition
Additive Manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, is a manufacturing process that builds three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer based on a digital model. In the MedTech industry, it is used for creating prototypes, custom medical devices, implants, surgical instruments, and even bioprinted tissues. This process offers significant advantages in terms of design flexibility, cost-effectiveness for small production runs, and customization capabilities.
Relevance to the MedTech Industry
Additive Manufacturing transforms the way medical devices are designed and produced by enabling rapid prototyping, customizability, and on-demand manufacturing. It allows manufacturers to produce complex geometries, reduce material waste, and accelerate innovation cycles. In the MedTech sector, this technology is particularly valuable for patient-specific devices such as prosthetics, dental implants, and orthopedic implants.
Additional Information & Related Terms
Rapid Prototyping Supports iterative design and testing of medical devices.
Biocompatibility/Biocompatibility Standards Critical for ensuring safety in medical applications.
ISO 13485 Ensures quality management systems incorporate additive manufacturing processes.
Sterilization Validation Confirms that products created via additive manufacturing meet sterilization requirements.