Top 5 Healthcare 3D Printing Companies to Watch in 2022

3D printing has been growing in importance in healthcare for some time, primarily as a way to create prosthetic implants, but now it is evolving into much more than that. The potential uses and benefits of 3D printing in medicine are vast and varied, including implications in surgical and diagnostic procedures, customized devices, and even organ replacement. Moreover, the flexibility and precision that 3D printing provides have opened doors for significant advancement in healthcare, and the following five companies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

1. Materialise

Materialise has been developing 3D printing software and services since 1990. In the healthcare sector, its BioMed division focuses on developing custom solutions for specific needs, including personalized hearing aid shells, craniomaxillofacial implants, and patient-specific guides for surgical procedures. Materialise has also been a leader in developing innovative techniques such as 3D-printed medical models where healthcare practitioners can practice complex surgical procedures before operating on actual patients. This technology significantly decreases the time spent in the operating room and reduces the risk of errors, making the complex procedures more patient-friendly.

2. EnvisionTEC

Since its founding in 2002, EnvisionTEC has been striving to make 3D printing an straightforward, easy and reliable alternative to traditional manufacturing. Their range of 3D printers, materials, and software covers a comprehensive range of industrial and dental applications. EnvisionTEC’s bioprinting technology has been used to develop bone grafts, dental fittings, and even personal skincare products specially made for specific skin types. EnvisionTEC’s models have been incredibly accurate, reliable, and able to reproduce intricate structures with a high level of precision.

3. Stratasys

Founded in 1989, Stratasys offers a diverse range of 3D printers that boast fast prototyping solutions and durable products. Their 3D-printed models and prototypes have numerous applications in the medical field, with dental implants, prosthetics, and surgical instrumentation being the most common. Stratasys has been working to create 3D-printed surgical instruments and medical devices that are patient-specific, thus significantly reducing the risk during surgical intervention. Their innovative design and manufacturing processes have led to unique use cases for 3D printing technology in modern medicine.

4. Carbon

Carbon was created in 2013 and has since garnered attention for being one of the most innovative companies in 3D printing. They use a technology known as digital light synthesis, which uses light to initiate and control chain polymerization reactions that make everyday objects like Adidas 3D-printed sneakers and customized oral devices for medical and dental use. Carbon’s long-term goal is to create medical devices that can monitor and medicate simultaneously, which has significant implications for those affected by diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson’s.

5. Formlabs

Formlabs was founded in 2011 and initially began as a Kickstarter project. Since then, the company has grown significantly and primarily focuses on creating products that are both high-quality and affordable. Their 3D printers have several applications in the healthcare industry, including the manufacturing of orthotic and prosthetic devices that are customized to individual patient needs. They’ve also been involved in developing patient-specific surgical instrumentation and have even been working on improving imaging and scanning technology for medical use cases.

Conclusion

3D printing technology has limitless possibilities, particularly in the healthcare industry. These five companies are at the forefront of innovation, utilizing the technology to create devices that feel tailored to specific patients’ needs. Materialise, EnvisionTEC, Stratasys, Carbon, and Formlabs continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, aiming to provide solutions to highly complex medical problems that wouldn’t have been possible without the incorporation of 3D printing technology.