Feature

How to mass produce medical parts economically using additive manufacturing

As one of its early adopters, the healthcare industry has benefitted from additive manufacturing (AM) for many years. Surgeons have showcased the flexibility of this manufacturing technique when producing patient-specific dental and orthopaedic implants.

04/03/2025 12:46:38

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As manufacturers in other industries integrate AM into mass production, can volume manufacturers of medical parts do the same? Here, Enrico Orsi, an Additive Manufacturing Product Manager of Renishaw, explores.

Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, AM is a relatively new technology, so there are some barriers to its mass adoption. While AM has proven to be effective, it was originally developed to manufacture high-value products in small batches, so before investing, this process often requires a careful cost assessment.

New technologies must undergo the same qualification process as existing manufacturing methods. This is particularly important in highly regulated industries such as the medical sector, so the process requires a lot of testing to ensure specifications are met.

Read the full article in DPA's March 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.