Case studies in the applications of additive manufacturing for the medical field: with a focus on plastic parts

Abstract

Additive manufacturing comprises a powerful family of technologies which have recently evolved to offer the ability of final production as well as prototyping and design work. However, there are some limitations which restrict the universal adoption of additive manufacturing as a substitute for conventional processes such as injection moulding. This study presents the current state-of-the-art in additive manufacturing through a series of examples and case studies in the medical field. An in-depth case study of an improved glucose testing strip is used as an example of a hybrid approach combining conventional and additive manufacturing. These examples are used to explore the advantages and disadvantages of additive manufacturing and a new set of criteria is drawn up to evaluate whether a medical product should be produced through additive or conventional techniques.