Trends in 3DP

The “3D Printing Trend Report 2023” from Hubs, a Protolabs company, finds the uptake of 3D printing (3DP) in manufacturing continues to grow. Below is a look at its growth overall, as well as in medical devices.

83%: 3D printing saved substantial costs in manufacturing pipeline

76%: Businesses produced 10+ parts in production runs, up from 49% in 2021

71%: Used 3DP more in 2022 than in 2021

56%: FDM most frequently used additive technology

47%: 3DP covered 0 to 20% of overall manufacturing requirements

3DP in medical is used to produce

  • Patient-specific implants
  • Prosthetics
  • Surgical guides
  • Surgical instruments
  • Anatomical models
  • Suture anchors

Dental products

  • Vat polymerization accounts for 60% of the dental 3DP share
  • Custom crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, surgical guides
  • Rapid creation of custom molds for clients’ aligners

Shape-morphing systems – 4D printing

  • Could allow implants to adapt to a patient’s body over time
  • Controlled release of a drug in the body via extreme precision
October 2023
Explore the October 2023 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find you next story to read.