3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a cutting-edge technology that constructs three-dimensional objects layer by layer, following a digital model or blueprint.

Ricoh3D and Stratasys will work together again on a new project for medical development. Medical models printed in 3D. They are about to release 3D-printed anatomic models for clinical use. This project has brought together a variety of technologies.

Patient-Specific 3D Solutions combines 3D printing technology with cloud-based segmentation from Axial3D. Ricoh is in charge of manufacturing.

The procedure will be computerized. Customers will be able to securely upload medical files to a cloud-based service.

Axial3D’s artificial intelligence-powered software will automatically convert medical scans into 3D printable files in this case. Ricoh’s ISO 13485-certified facility then prints the models on Stratasys 3D printers.

After printing, the care facility receives the models. This 3D printer accelerates the printing process from weeks to days. Additionally, it allows for use without requiring onsite 3D printing equipment or technical expertise.

Practitioners can plan and practice complex surgeries with the help of the Anatomic 3D printer. This also promotes better collaboration among medical staff, patients, and their families.

This model, based on Stratasys’ Digital Anatomy technology, enables biomechanically realistic surgeries with the feel and responsiveness of real bone and tissue.

Patients and care teams benefit from this surgical planning method using a 3D printer. Reports suggest clinicians and patients will access patient-specific 3D printed models for surgery planning, diagnosis, and education.

This model’s main advantage is that it allows clinicians to maintain transparency by demonstrating treatment decisions to patients and surgical staff.

The major challenges here are the need for upfront capital investments and on-site 3D printing technical expertise. The new service is said to be barrier-free. It will also help to increase access to more hospitals and clinics, which will result in better outcomes.

We provide a streamlined, scalable solution to enhance access to patient-specific 3D printed models. Consequently, this enables us to deliver personalized care faster,” says Ben Klein, General Manager of Patient-Specific Solutions at Stratasys.

Furthermore, Gary Turner, Managing Director of Additive Manufacturing for Ricoh USA, stated, “We are providing an opportunity for healthcare providers to access state-of-the-art, precision additive manufacturing without incurring overhead costs.  

By offering this solution, we are democratizing and expanding access to patient-specific 3D printed models. Consequently, it can enhance outcomes and patient experience while also improving physician education and training.