Chapter 10 - 3D Printing Technologies and Their Applications in Biomedical Science

Abstract

3D printing is a rapid prototyping, basically a manufacturing technique that includes objects formation by depositing or fusing materials such as liquids, plastic, powders, metal, ceramics, or even living cells in layers to produce a 3D object. 3D printing consists of transferring a special computer file or a design called computer-aided design to a printer capable of printing 3D objects through additive process that prints layers of material. 3D printing technology plays essential role in advancing Biomedical Sciences. It increases diagnostic quality, aids further operational patient consultation, provides template for surgical resection, and advances surgical planning. There are several different methods of 3D printing but the most widely used are Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, Inkjet Printing, Selective Laser Melting, and Laminated Object Manufacturing. The clinical application of 3D printing includes craniofacial surgery, skull reconstruction, cranioplasty for correction of syndromic craniosynostosis, facial bone fractures, reconstruction of mandibular, human skin, tissue engineering, ears, cartilage, heart valve, tooth, and peridontal regeneration. In this chapter, we focus on 3D printing, its technologies, clinical applications, and oncology application.