Advances In 3D Printing Technology Research Articles

Replicating Mg scaffold via 3D printing sacrificial template

The fabrication of hierarchical and porous structures holds significant promise in biomedical science, aerospace, and related fields. Despite advancements in 3D printing technology that have enhanced the capability of complex porous structures, its application in metal fabrication remains challenging. In this paper, we introduce a method involving a 3D printed sacrificial template, created by the material extrusion process, for magnesium (Mg) infiltration. This method facilitates the production of porous Mg scaffolds, with the templates subsequently being water-leached. The morphology, shrinkage rate, compressive strength, and types of lattices of templates were observed and assessed to determine their viability. Further, comprehensive compression tests and cell adhesion experiments were conducted on the Mg scaffolds to evaluate their performance. The results suggest that the templates must possess adequate strength and continuous flow channels for successful Mg infiltration. The scaffolds experienced an average of about 30 % shrinkage from the initial design to the final structure. The porous Mg scaffolds exhibit enhanced compressive strength (47.48 ± 0.84 MPa) at lower porosity (0.52) and demonstrate satisfactory biocompatibility. This research highlights the efficacy and low cost of the template replication method in generating mechanically superior porous Mg scaffolds with customized pore sizes and structures. In future research, this method also holds promise for applications involving newly developed alloys.

Advancement of 3D printing technology for the development of a training model in US-guided vesicoamniotic shunting for early LUTO therapy.

Prenatal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare and challenging condition with potential severe morbidity and mortality. Prenatal shunting methods, specifically vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS) and fetal cystoscopy, aim to manage this condition. However, comprehensive education and training are hindered by the rarity of LUTO. To address this gap, we present a low-cost 3D-printed ultrasound training model for VAS in LUTO fetuses. The aim of the study was to evaluate ultrasound and haptic fidelity of the model. Ultrasound images of three LUTO fetuses at 12-14 weeks were utilized to create detailed 3D-printed models. Fusion360TM software generated stereo-lithography files, and the Formlabs Form3® printer, using Flexible 80A resin, produced the models. A simulation box mimicking uterine conditions and fetal anatomy was developed for testing. Ultrasound assessments determined model accuracy, and expert evaluations gauged fidelity for VAS placement. The 3D-printed model accurately replicated LUTO fetal anatomy, demonstrating structural integrity and realistic sonographic and haptic feedback during 20 punctures. Macroscopic visualization confirmed the model's durability and authenticity. This innovative 3D-printed model addresses the scarcity of LUTO cases and the lack of realistic training tools. Simulation models enhance skills, providing a controlled learning environment that bridges theoretical knowledge and clinical application, potentially improving patient outcomes. The 3D-printed training model for VAS in LUTO represents a significant advancement in surgical education, offering realistic anatomical simulation and tactile feedback. Future studies should assess its effectiveness in enhancing surgical skills and impacting patient outcomes in clinical practice.

The History and Future of Ceramic Sculpture: From Ancient Clay Figures to Modern 3D Printing

This research aims to examine the history and future of ceramic sculpture, evaluating the development of this significant art form. It observes the role and evolving face of ceramic sculpture art from ancient times to the present, discussing its potential in the future. In ancient times, people used ceramic sculptures to express their religious and mythological beliefs. Civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire reflected their beliefs and cultures through ceramic sculptures. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, artisans produced ceramic sculptures to enhance the aesthetic and religious aspects of churches' interior decoration. The sculptures from these periods stood out for their traditional craftsmanship and handmade techniques. With the onset of the modern era, technological advancements have fundamentally transformed ceramic sculpture art. Artists have observed diversity and change in the artistic expressions of ceramic sculptures as they address societal, political, and environmental issues, creating new and contemporary works. The relationship between ceramic art and technology has continued to grow, especially with the recent advancements in 3D printing technology, which provide artists with greater creative freedom and allow for the creation of more complex forms and details in sculptures. While ceramic sculpture art remains an essential part of our cultural heritage, artists will continue to shape the thoughts and societal consciousness of people through ceramic sculptures in the future. As a form of art that has evolved throughout history, ceramic sculpture art will persist in representing the creativity and freedom of expression of artists, enhancing the artistic experiences of individuals with the conveniences brought about by technology.

Development and Outlook for the FDM Printed Nozzle Structure

Abstract:: The nozzle is one of the parts of a 3D printer that cannot be missed because of its widespread popularity in recent years. The nozzle's structure determines the quality of the printed product; therefore, selecting a suitable nozzle structure is crucial. With the advancement of 3D printing technology in recent years, 3D printers have progressively come under investigation. Examining the design of the nozzle, feeding mechanism, and printing platform can help to increase the quality of the prints. The design and enhancement of the nozzle structure are beneficial to the advancement of 3D printing technology since it is one of the key elements influencing print quality. Using the research methods, research content, and invention structure of the most recent representative patents on this nozzle structure, the features and operating principle of the 3D printed nozzle structure are illustrated. To classify and examine the nozzle temperature and nozzle clogging that impact the nozzles, a patent analysis of various types of 3D printing nozzle structures is carried out. Future trends in 3D printing nozzle structures are also covered. The issues caused by nozzle work can be resolved to increase product quality and precision by comparing various 3D printing nozzle structures. This will also lead to the invention of more relevant patents in the future, including those about printing numerous nozzles and high-strength metals.

Direct 3D printing aligners - past, present and future possibilities.

The aim of this paper is to introduce the general dentist to recent advances in 3D printing technology used in orthodontics. 3D printing is a highly evolving area of dentistry with continual developments. New advances now allow the in-house delivery of printed aligners. Advocates of this new technology suggest the benefits of more prescriptive and controlled tooth movement in comparison to conventional thermoformed appliances. However, there is currently limited evidence on the efficiency of this material and more research needs to be carried out to validate this new technology.

Evolution and Innovations in Pattern Making Techniques for Enhanced Garment Construction: A Comprehensive Review

Pattern-making has evolved significantly over time, combining traditional craftsmanship with technological advancements like computer-aided design software and 3D modelling. This has increased accuracy, efficiency, and productivity in garment design, allowing for greater creativity and customization. Sustainability principles have become a priority in the fashion industry, with designers using zero-waste design approaches to minimize textile waste. Digital tools have revolutionized traditional pattern-making practices, facilitating collaboration between designers and manufacturers, enhancing accuracy and precision. Virtual and augmented reality have added a new dimension to pattern-making and garment construction, allowing designers to visualize and experience their designs in a virtual environment before translating them into physical garments. Technological innovations have also led to advancements in materials and manufacturing processes, offering designers more options for innovative and eco-friendly designs. The integration of 3D printing into modern garment construction has revolutionized the fashion industry by offering designers new possibilities for creativity and efficiency. Future trends in pattern-making include virtual and augmented reality technologies for virtual fitting rooms and advances in 3D printing technology for direct garment printing.

Exploring the Impact of 3D Printing Technology on Patient-Specific Prosthodontic Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: The rapid advancement of 3D printing technology has opened new avenues for patient-specific prosthodontic rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore the impact of 3D printing technology on prosthodontic outcomes and patient satisfaction through a comparative analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients requiring prosthodontic rehabilitation were recruited for this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group, where 3D printing technology was utilized for the fabrication of patient-specific prostheses, and the control group, where conventional fabrication techniques were employed. Various parameters were assessed, including prosthesis fit, occlusion, esthetics, and patient-reported outcomes such as comfort and satisfaction. Digital measurements and subjective evaluations were conducted to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests. Results: Preliminary findings indicated that the use of 3D printing technology in prosthodontic rehabilitation resulted in superior prosthesis fit, enhanced occlusal stability, and improved esthetics compared to conventional methods. Moreover, patients in the experimental group reported higher levels of comfort and overall satisfaction. The advantages of 3D printing technology were observed across different types of prosthodontic restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. These results highlight the potential of 3D printing technology to revolutionize patient-specific prosthodontic rehabilitation. By facilitating precise fabrication, customization, and improved functional outcomes, 3D printing can enhance the overall quality of prosthodontic care. Further long-term studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the cost-effectiveness and long-term durability of 3D-printed prostheses. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the integration of 3D printing technology in patient-specific prosthodontic rehabilitation holds great promise for achieving optimal functional and esthetic outcomes. The findings contribute to advancing prosthodontic practices and provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers seeking to incorporate this innovative technology into their treatment protocols.

Sustainable supply chain models for 3D printed houses

ABSTRACT Although steps have been taken to improve sustainable practices in the construction industry, progress to date has been slow. Advances in 3D printing technology provide a significant opportunity to reconfigure construction industry supply chains to improve its sustainability credentials. This study investigates the adoption of 3D construction printing (3DCP) as a sustainable alternative and/or to augment traditional construction industry supply chains. By analysing six 3DCP organisations and feeding six critical insights into the Business Model Navigator, this study proposes three supply chain models i.e. generative construction service, hybrid service, and emergency service. A generative supply chain model can be used as an on-demand service for customers with limited knowledge of 3DCP. The hybrid model can integrate 3DCP with a traditional construction supply chain to construct part of the building. Finally, the emergency services model can be used to rapidly construct cost-effective housing (e.g for refugees). The adoption of 3D Printing using these supply chain models in housing construction supply chains has the potential to offer considerable benefits both for construction companies and end-users, while at the same time improving sustainability, affordability and productivity.

Transforming organ transplantation and medical education advancements in 3D printing technology

A major issue in the medical field worldwide is the limited number of organ donors available for transplants. The conventional methods are constrained by issues like scarcity of donors, further harm, and limited resources. The 3D printing technology provides a hopeful remedy by allowing the quick creation of customized tissue scaffolds, fixing tissue defects with cells, and potentially printing organs and tissues. These customized implants blend with the patient's tissue and include specific material patterns and cell clusters to promote cell growth and maturation, aiding in tissue repair. This review examines the existing obstacles and progress in 3D printing for medical purposes, specifically focusing on materials and extracellular matrix fabrication, showcasing different types of biomedical materials and recent innovations.

Mechanical properties of hierarchical lattice via strain gradient homogenization approach

With the advancement of 3D printing technology, manufacturing metamaterials with extreme mechanical properties is becoming more feasible. Hierarchical lattices appear to be ideal candidates for obtaining desirable lightweight, high specific stiffness, and enhanced specific energy absorption. They can be constructed by architected substructures at multiple length scales. The interpretations of the underlying deformation mechanisms are necessary in order to manipulate with expected mechanical properties. In this paper, experiments were conducted to examine the effective mechanical behaviors of hierarchical lattice metamaterials. A strain gradient homogenization approach has been employed to correlate their morphological characteristics to the resulting material properties. The effective stiffness tensors are identified including the fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-order stiffness tensors. The higher-order inertial parameters are determined by a fitting procedure. Comparisons between direct finite element analyses and the homogenized strain gradient continua have been made for hierarchical lattice materials under static and dynamic loads. It is found that strain gradient homogenization approach can be an accurate, efficient and reliable way of predicting the mechanical behaviors of hierarchical lattice. A systematic analysis of geometrical parameters was conducted to uncover the underlying mechanisms responsible for the enhancement of effective properties. This work offers a novel approach for designing the mechanical properties of hierarchical metamaterials through precise control of secondary structure types and distributions.

Transforming P & O Care with 3D Printing-More than Meets the Eye.

Many within the prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) industry are embracing 3D printing technology to produce better devices more efficiently, cost-effectively and to improve patient outcomes. 3D printing is here to stay, but how much will it transform P&O practices? This paper explores the state-of 3D printing technology as it applies to P&O and aims to highlight important considerations for bringing 3D printing into mainstream practice. The paper draws from recent published literature, as well as experiences stemming from ongoing efforts focused on implementing digital workflows and 3D printing into P&O care. The paper examines the topic from the technological, research, economics, funding, and clinical perspectives. While 3D printing and digital workflows have advantages over traditional methods (i.e. ability to design more complex parts, reprinting and reproduction of parts, less labour intensive) there are also challenges limiting adoption. First, despite recent advancements in 3D printing technology, gaps still exist in terms of the materials and processes. For example, cost-effectively fabricating devices that are concurrently strong and durable, allow for colourful designs, and are thermoformable are still being developed. Cost-wise, 3D printing may currently be more viable for small, or paediatric devices. There are also limited technical standards to ensure safe and durable devices are produced, as well as a lack of evidence and information about patient outcomes and operating costs. Nevertheless, a great amount of enthusiasm and momentum exists within the industry to innovate, and with it the potential for 3D printing to one day be central to mainstream P&O care. Given the many aspects of the P&O industry, collaboration and partnerships will facilitate learning from each other to advance and realize the potential of 3D printing sooner.

Synthesis, Processing, and Characterization of CNT Filaments for Printing of High-Performance Flexible Electronics

The rapid advancement of 3D printing technology has provided opportunities for exploring novel materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), that possess significant capabilities for improving electrical devices. CNTs exhibit remarkable conductivity and mechanical characteristics within the flexible electronics domain, rendering them an up-and-coming contender for propelling advancements in this discipline. The synthesis, processing, and characterization of CNT-based filaments play a crucial role in entirely using the capabilities of these materials for applications in flexible electronics. This work presents the CNT Filaments for Printing System (CNT-FPS), a holistic approach incorporating cutting-edge CNT manufacturing, filament processing, and material characterization methodologies. The CNT-FPS material exhibits distinctive characteristics, such as precise control over diameter management, elevated levels of purity, and remarkable dispersion of CNTs inside the polymer matrix. The CNT-FPS method exhibited superior performance in eight key metrics. These metrics include filament diameter (1.15 mm), surface morphology (8.75 µm), electrical conductivity (375.62 S/cm), tensile strength (61.24 MPa), Young's Modulus (13.45 GPa), thermal stability (340.75°C), crystallinity (48.75%), and wear rate (0.009 mm³/Nm). The findings of this study demonstrate a potentially fruitful direction for advancing the field of high-performance flexible electronics. The research provides a foundation for developing electrical devices that exhibit exceptional durability, adaptability, and functionality through the strategic enhancement of CNT synthesis, processing, and characterization techniques inside the CNT-FPS framework. These devices have immense potential for diverse applications like wearable technology, healthcare, and beyond.

A Multi-criteria decision making approach for 3D printer nozzle material selection

Rapid advancements in 3D printing technology have compelled the manufacturers to search for better nozzle material in the extruder of 3D printers. Materials ranging from brass to tungsten carbide and ruby are primarily used as the nozzle material. In 3D printing technology, due to major constraints imposed by the filament material and other decisive factors, no single nozzle material satisfies all the desired characteristics for a real time application. Thus, it has become crucial to select the most appropriate nozzle material with the desired properties for enhanced 3D printing performance. In this paper, the performance of eight candidate nozzle materials is evaluated based on nine selection criteria. Entropy method is utilized to determine the criteria weights, whereas, evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method is employed to identify the best suited 3D printer nozzle material. Tungsten carbide emerges out as the best choice, followed by titanium alloy (TiAl6V4). This paper also proposes a sensitivity analysis to establish the robustness of the adopted methodology.

Design of Viscosity and Nozzle Path Using Food 3D Printer and Pneumatic Pressure Syringe-Type Dispensing System

Recent advancements in 3D printing technology have integrated with Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence, aiming to overcome the limitations of conventional manufacturing methods. In the field of functional foods, solvent casting, a common manufacturing technique, has been adopted to produce film-like structures with desired sizes and uniform thickness. However, the typical method of coating or injection on a conventional continuous film is difficult to produce in small amounts. To address this limitation, in the study, we developed a pneumatic pressure syringe-type dispensing system integrated with a food 3D printer utilizing fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. A syringe type is needed to discharge crude liquid manufactured in the food field in a hygienic environment, and a 3D printing method that is easy to manufacture in small quantities or on demand was utilized. Through simulation and experiment, we wanted to confirm whether stable ejection results are generated according to the selected nozzle-based viscosity, inflow conditions, and the nozzle movement path of the food 3D printer. Based on the nozzle selected through simulation, it was confirmed that the fluid and flow velocity distribution of the viscous material were uniformly distributed and discharged under the conditions of 30,000 cps and inflow rate. By setting the parameters of the food 3D printer and preparing a coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) sample, we achieved a stable oral dissolving film (ODF) extrusion shape through the design of viscosity and 3D printer nozzle path. The optimal viscosity range for the ODF solution was found to be 25,000 to 35,000 cps, exhibiting precise dimensions and shapes without distortion and yielding the most stable extrusion results. We defined four different nozzle path designs based on minimizing the movement of the 3D printer nozzle. Among them, a 16-step path design demonstrated a stable extrusion method, showing no tailing phenomenon under the conditions of 0.2 MPa pressure and −15.4 KPa vacuum pressure. In future research, we plan to conduct additional research to determine whether the discharge results vary depending on conditions such as viscosity of the crude liquid, nozzle path combination, and ODF thickness.

Three-dimensional-printed heart model can determine univentricular repair strategy in borderline double-outlet right ventricle

BackgroundAs double-outlet right ventricle has a wide pathophysiology spectrum, its comprehensive treatment strategy is determined based on relevant factors, such as the location and size of the ventricular septal defect, ventricular volume, and relationship of the great arteries. However, for borderline double-outlet right ventricle cases, it is occasionally difficult to decide the treatment strategy preoperatively. Recently, advances in 3D printing technology based on computed tomography have enabled the creation of 3D heart models of congenital heart disease that can precisely reproduce the anatomical structure of each patient even for complex anomalies. Herein, we describe a young patient in whom univentricular repair could be decided after confirming the 3D heart model and intracardiac structure under direct vision.Case presentationWe describe a 3-year-old girl who was diagnosed with double-outlet right ventricle and severe pulmonary valve stenosis at birth and who underwent a left modified Blalock–Taussig shunt at 2 years of age. Preoperative examination revealed a borderline condition for biventricular repair characterized by a small left ventricle volume and side-by-side relationship of the great artery. After a preoperative discussion using a 3D heart model, we concurred that an intraoperative assessment would be made as to whether biventricular repair was possible or not. After confirming the intracardiac structure under direct vision, we assessed that intraventricular rerouting was not possible owing to the high risk of subvalvular aortic stenosis as there was no tissue that could be incised between the right ventricular free wall and the primary interventricular foramen, as indicated in the 3D heart model. Thus, atrial septostomy and Glenn anastomosis were performed.ConclusionsWe report a 3-year-old girl with a borderline double-outlet right ventricle in whom a univentricular repair strategy could be decided after confirming the 3D heart model and intracardiac structure under direct vision. A 3D-printed heart model can be useful in patients whose repair strategy is difficult to judge for the borderline double-outlet right ventricle.

Design and analysis of multi-material structures of 3D printed implants of mandible

Significant advances in 3D printing technology have paved the way for improvements in the integrity and biological characteristics of polymer implants. The principal objective of this research is the construction of a heterogeneous implant structure using a multi-material approach and 3D printing. Due to their advantageous strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatible polymers have an increasing application in the field of medicine. The osteo-integration process, in which implants bind to the bone over time, can be made more effective by incorporating these materials into implants. In this work, we focused especially on analyzing the strength and integrity of polymer material implants that were created using a combination of different materials, and their stress distribution, and the deformation of these multi-material structures when they were subjected to physiological loading through finite element analysis. The evidence from the frontal bite condition has led to some fascinating conclusions. The variations in stress were observed in homogenous structures, with values ranging from 37.42 MPa for the TPU to 41.07 MPa for the PETG. In contrast, stress distributions in multi-material constructions ranged from 52.31 MPa (in the case of TPU +TPU) to 73.55 MPa (in the case of PLA+ PCL). Similarly, the maximum deformation in homogeneous constructions ranged from 0.81mm (PLA) to 6.85mm (PCL). The deformation of multi-material structures composed of several different materials ranged from 0.68mm (PLA+ PLA) to 5.74 mm (PCL+PCL).These findings provide conclusive evidence that multi-material architectures have a considerable impact on known stress and strain levels. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the combination of PLA+PLA and PLA+PETG displayed deformation that was equivalent to that of the intact bone model while having lower stress levels. The results of this study provide useful information that can be used to select optimal multi-material combinations that can be 3D printed for implants.

In vivo characterization of 3D-printed polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite scaffolds with Voronoi design to advance the concept of scaffold-guided bone regeneration.

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed medical-grade polycaprolactone (mPCL) composite scaffolds have been the first to enable the concept of scaffold-guided bone regeneration (SGBR) from bench to bedside. However, advances in 3D printing technologies now promise next-generation scaffolds such as those with Voronoi tessellation. We hypothesized that the combination of a Voronoi design, applied for the first time to 3D-printed mPCL and ceramic fillers (here hydroxyapatite, HA), would allow slow degradation and high osteogenicity needed to regenerate bone tissue and enhance regenerative properties when mixed with xenograft material. We tested this hypothesis in vitro and in vivo using 3D-printed composite mPCL-HA scaffolds (wt 96%:4%) with the Voronoi design using an ISO 13485 certified additive manufacturing platform. The resulting scaffold porosity was 73% and minimal in vitro degradation (mass loss <1%) was observed over the period of 6months. After loading the scaffolds with different types of fresh sheep xenograft and ectopic implantation in rats for 8weeks, highly vascularized tissue without extensive fibrous encapsulation was found in all mPCL-HA Voronoi scaffolds and endochondral bone formation was observed, with no adverse host-tissue reactions. This study supports the use of mPCL-HA Voronoi scaffolds for further testing in future large preclinical animal studies prior to clinical trials to ultimately successfully advance the SGBR concept.

Design for 4D Printing of Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymers for Disposable UAV Systems.

The use of bio-based smart materials is vital for achieving the desired morphing characteristics while improving the efficiency of disposable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems. Smart materials combine the structure and actuator into a single element without discrete moving parts, thereby minimizing the weight and mechanical complexity of the UAV system. Biodegradable smart materials facilitate the realization of smart actuation concepts that help in potentially improving system reliability and reducing the risk of potential component failure. However, the manufacturing of biodegradable smart materials is a huge challenge. Recent advances in 3D printing technologies have opened new possibilities for manufacturing biodegradable smart materials. The 3D printing technologies have been further extended to 4D printing, which essentially involves fabricating 3D smart structures. The goal of this research is to investigate the manufacturing challenges involved in the 4D printing of biodegradable smart polymer materials for disposable UAV systems. The manufacturing process consists of a combination of biodegradable smart polymer materials in conjunction with SLA-based 3D printing technology. The study will involve extensive theoretical investigations followed by experimental studies. The results of this study are expected to open up new possibilities for using biodegradable smart polymer materials at commercial scales.

Design thinking-driven development of a modular X-Band antenna using multi-material 3D printing

This study presents the development of a modular parasitic patch antenna using 3D printing and the Design Thinking (DT) methodology. The antenna structure, manufactured with insulating polycarbonate and conductive silver lines, incorporates a reflector, main antenna, and parasitic patch. The study demonstrates the successful application of DT and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles in optimizing manufacturing efficiency and assembly effectiveness. Simulations and measurements confirm the satisfactory performance of the 3D printed antenna, with a minimum reflection coefficient of -15 dB, efficiency reaching up to 75%, and gain falling within the range of conventionally fabricated antennas. The integration of insulator and conductor materials in 3D printing facilitates the manufacturing of complex structures, while the modular design enables easy installation and customization. This research contributes to the advancement of 3D printing technology for microwave applications, offering cost-effective and efficient manufacturing solutions for industrial antenna production.

Patient-specific airway stent using three-dimensional printing: a review.

The primary function of an airway stent is to reestablish patency, impeding restenosis, supporting the tracheobronchial wall, or occluding fistulas. But stent-related complications are prevalent and can have devastating consequences. For this reason, stents are considered a last resort when there are no alternatives in treatment. Additionally, commercially available airway stents often poorly fit patients with complex airways, and they can cause various complications. At the end of the 20th century, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology was created. It has been transformative in healthcare and has been used in several applications. One of its first utilizations was the anatomical modeling of body structures that helps preoperative planning. In respiratory medicine, this technology has been essentially used in central airway diseases to produce 3D airway models and to create airway splints and prostheses. In the last decade, it has led to a transformation and allowed progress in personalized medicine, making patient-specific stents for individuals with complex airway problems. A patient-specific stent using 3D printing may minimize complications, improve quality of life, and reduce the need for repeated procedures. This review describes the recent advances in 3D printing technology, its use for developing airway prostheses to treat complex airway diseases, and the current evidence that supports its use.