ABSTRACT
In the medical field, AM has been used for prosthesis, implants, hearing aids, glasses, frames for glasses, dental applications, surgery tools and models, and new businesses have been set up, such as 3DP of ultrasound images. AM provides a great fit with healthcare because patients often need slightly different things, and AM is great for customization. It also provides opportunities to manufacture things such as surgical models that are too costly and time-consuming with traditional manufacturing methods. Material extrusion, powder bed fusion and VAT photopolymerization are the most commonly used. AM is spread among the medical supply chain from research taking place at universities for 3DP of organs to the prosumer who manufacturers their own braces or prosthetics. In some areas, AM is extremely well established (hearing aids). Some challenges with the adoption of AM in healthcare are the materials and safety regulations.
