A review on the role of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19: safety and challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sapam Ningthemba Singh ◽  
Vavilada Satya Swamy Venkatesh ◽  
Ashish Bhalchandra Deoghare
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Supplies ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Safety And Reliability ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Purpose During the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-dimensional (3D) printing community is actively participating to address the supply chain gap of essential medical supplies such as face masks, face shields, door adapters, test swabs and ventilator valves. This paper aims to present a comprehensive study on the role of 3D printing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, its safety and its challenges. Design/methodology/approach This review paper focuses on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 along with the safety and challenges associated with 3D printing to fight COVID-19. The literature presented in this paper is collected from the journal indexing engines including Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, Web of Science, etc. The main keywords used for searches were 3D printing COVID-19, Safety of 3D printed parts, Sustainability of 3D printing, etc. Further possible iterations of the keywords were used to collect the literature. Findings The applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 are 3D printed face masks, shields, ventilator valves, test swabs, drug deliveries and hands-free door adapters. As most of these measures are implemented hastily, the safety and reliability of these parts often lacked approval. The safety concerns include the safety of the printed parts, operators and secondary personnel such as the workers in material preparation and transportation. The future challenges include sustainability of the process, long term supply chain, intellectual property and royalty-free models, etc. Originality/value This paper presents a comprehensive study on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 with emphasis on the safety and challenges in it.

scholarly journals The Role of 3D Printing in Medical Applications: A State of the Art

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Aimar ◽  
Augusto Palermo ◽  
Bernardo Innocenti
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Medical Implants ◽  
Medical Field ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Pipe Dream ◽  
Manufacturing Technologies

Three-dimensional (3D) printing refers to a number of manufacturing technologies that generate a physical model from digital information. Medical 3D printing was once an ambitious pipe dream. However, time and investment made it real. Nowadays, the 3D printing technology represents a big opportunity to help pharmaceutical and medical companies to create more specific drugs, enabling a rapid production of medical implants, and changing the way that doctors and surgeons plan procedures. Patient-specific 3D-printed anatomical models are becoming increasingly useful tools in today’s practice of precision medicine and for personalized treatments. In the future, 3D-printed implantable organs will probably be available, reducing the waiting lists and increasing the number of lives saved. Additive manufacturing for healthcare is still very much a work in progress, but it is already applied in many different ways in medical field that, already reeling under immense pressure with regards to optimal performance and reduced costs, will stand to gain unprecedented benefits from this good-as-gold technology. The goal of this analysis is to demonstrate by a deep research of the 3D-printing applications in medical field the usefulness and drawbacks and how powerful technology it is.

Soft-tissue-mimicking using silicones for the manufacturing of soft phantoms by fresh 3D printing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aitor Tejo-Otero ◽  
Arthur Colly ◽  
Edwin-Joffrey Courtial ◽  
Felip Fenollosa-Artés ◽  
Irene Buj-Corral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Mechanical Analysis ◽  
Living Tissue ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Microscopy Analysis ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Liver Phantom

Purpose The purpose of this study is to use the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) additive manufacturing (AM) technique for manufacturing a liver phantom which can mimic the corresponding soft living tissue. One of the possible applications is surgical planning. Design/methodology/approach A thermo-reversible Pluronic® F-127-based support bath is used for the FRESH technique. To verify how three-dimensional (3D)-printed new materials can mimic liver tissue, dynamic mechanical analysis and oscillation shear rheometry tests are carried out to identify mechanical characteristics of different 3D printed silicone samples. Additionally, the differential scanning calorimetry was done on the silicone samples. Then, a validation of a 3D printed silicone liver phantom is performed with a 3D scanner. Finally, the surface topography of the 3D printed liver phantom was fulfiled and microscopy analysis of its surface. Findings Silicone samples were able to mimic the liver, therefore obtaining the first soft phantom of the liver using the FRESH technique. Practical implications Because of the use of soft silicones, surgeons could practice over these improved phantoms which have an unprecedented degree of living tissue mimicking, enhancing their rehearsal experience before surgery. Social implications An improvement in surgeons surgery skills would lead to a bettering in the patient outcome. Originality/value The first research study was carried out to mimic soft tissue and apply it to the 3D printing of organ phantoms using AM FRESH technique.

Fast production of customized three-dimensional-printed hand splints

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Popescu ◽  
Aurelian Zapciu ◽  
Cristian Tarba ◽  
Dan Laptoiu
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Online Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Cad ◽  
Aesthetic Appearance ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Manufacturing Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to propose a new solution for producing customized three-dimensional (3D)-printed flat-shaped splints, which are then thermoformed to fit the patient’s hand. The splint design process is automated and is available to clinicians through an online application. Design/methodology/approach Patient anthropometric data measured by clinicians are associated with variables of parametric 3D splint models. Once these variables are input by clinicians in the online app, customized stereo lithography (STL) files for both splint and half mold, in the case of the bi-material splint, are automatically generated and become available for download. Bi-materials splints are produced by a hybrid manufacturing process involving 3D printing and overmolding. Findings This approach eliminates the need for 3D CAD-proficient clinicians, allows fast generation of customized splints, generates two-dimensional (2D) drawings of splints for verifying shape and dimensions before 3D printing and generates the STL files. Automation reduces splint design time and cost, while manufacturing time is diminished by 3D printing the splint in a flat position. Practical implications The app could be used in clinical practice. It meets the demands of mass customization using 3D printing in a field where individualization is mandatory. The solution is scalable – it can be extended to other splint designs or to other limbs. 3D-printed tailored splints can offer improved wearing comfort and aesthetic appearance, while maintaining hand immobilization, allowing visually controlled follow-up for edema and rapidly observing the need for revision if necessary. Originality/value An online application was developed for uploading patient measurements and downloading 2D drawings and STL files of customized splints. Different models of splints can be designed and included in the database as alternative variants. A method for producing bi-materials flat splints combining soft and rigid polymers represents another novelty of the research.

Additive Manufacturing Enabled Supply Chain in Combating COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 05 (04) ◽  
pp. 495-505
Author(s):  
Ranjan Arora ◽  
Pawan K Arora ◽  
Harish Kumar ◽  
Meena Pant
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Medical Industry ◽  
Solid Object ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
Medical Supplies

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a method in which three-dimensional structures are successively laid down to create a solid object. The inherent advantages of AM technology are successfully drafted and exploited by the different organization across the globe. During the time of pandemic i.e. COVID-19, 3D printing has come to rescue and has been used for manufacturing critical medical supplies. 3D printing has been used in manufacturing some of the critical items like ventilators valves, face shields, swabs, oxygen valves, hand sanitizer holders, 3-DP lung models, etc. The main reason for its success has been the ability of 3D printing to print locally by using digital designs and thus reducing the number of supply chain actors. Also, the ability of 3D printing to manufacture/print complex geometrical designs locally is the main reason for its successful adoption during COVID-19. In this paper, we have discussed how AM has come to the forefront in fighting this pandemic. Various AM techniques have played a critical role in bridging the supply chain gap in the medical industry and locally printing critical devices. There were certain apprehensions before the pandemic along with slow adoption but this pandemic has also increased the adoption of AM due to its ability to overcome the demand created by COVID-19.

Novel exploration of 3D printed wrist arthroplasty to solve the severe and complicated bone defect of wrist

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Han ◽  
Yanguo Qin ◽  
Yun Zou ◽  
Chenyu Wang ◽  
Haotian Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Printing Technology ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
And Function ◽  
Wrist Arthroplasty

Purpose Although proximal row carpectomy, wrist arthrodesis and even total wrist arthroplasty were developed to treat wrist disease using bone and cartilage of the wrist, severe and complicated bone defects caused by ferocious trauma and bone tumors remain a stubborn problem for surgeons. Development and application of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology may provide possible solutions. Design/methodology/approach Computed tomography (CT) data of three cases with severe bone defects caused by either trauma or bone tumor were collected and converted into three-dimensional models. Prostheses were designed individually according to the residual anatomical structure of the wrist based on the models. Both the models and prostheses were produced using 3D printing technology. A preoperative design was prepared according to the models and prostheses. Then arthroplasty was performed after preoperative simulation with printed models and prostheses. Findings The diameter of the stem and radial medullary cavity, the direction and location of the prosthesis, and other components were checked during the preoperative design and simulation process phases. The three cases with 3D printed wrist all regained reconstruction of normal anatomy and part of the function after surgery. The average increasing Cooney score rate of Cases 2 and 3 was 133.34 ± 23.57 per cent, and that of Case 1 reached 85 per cent. The average declining rate of the Gartland and Werley Score in Cases 2 and 3 was 65.21 ± 18.89 per cent, and that of Case 1 dropped to 5 per cent in the last follow-up. The scores indicated that patients experienced pain relief and function regain. In addition, the degree of patient satisfaction improved. Originality/value 3D printed wrist arthroplasty may provide an effective method for severe and complicated cases without sacrificing other bones. Personal customization can offer better anatomy and function than arthrodesis or other traditional surgical techniques.

scholarly journals 3D Printing and Bioprinting to Model Bone Cancer: The Role of Materials and Nanoscale Cues in Directing Cell Behavior

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4065
Author(s):  
Tiziana Fischetti ◽  
Gemma Di Pompo ◽  
Nicola Baldini ◽  
Sofia Avnet ◽  
Gabriela Graziani
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Bone Cancer ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Potential Development ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Ceramic Fillers ◽  
Biological Mechanics

Bone cancer, both primary and metastatic, is characterized by a low survival rate. Currently, available models lack in mimicking the complexity of bone, of cancer, and of their microenvironment, leading to poor predictivity. Three-dimensional technologies can help address this need, by developing predictive models that can recapitulate the conditions for cancer development and progression. Among the existing tools to obtain suitable 3D models of bone cancer, 3D printing and bioprinting appear very promising, as they enable combining cells, biomolecules, and biomaterials into organized and complex structures that can reproduce the main characteristic of bone. The challenge is to recapitulate a bone-like microenvironment for analysis of stromal–cancer cell interactions and biological mechanics leading to tumor progression. In this review, existing approaches to obtain in vitro 3D-printed and -bioprinted bone models are discussed, with a focus on the role of biomaterials selection in determining the behavior of the models and its degree of customization. To obtain a reliable 3D bone model, the evaluation of different polymeric matrices and the inclusion of ceramic fillers is of paramount importance, as they help reproduce the behavior of both normal and cancer cells in the bone microenvironment. Open challenges and future perspectives are discussed to solve existing shortcomings and to pave the way for potential development strategies.

3D printing: a useful tool for the fabrication of artificial electromagnetic (EM) medium

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyong Tian ◽  
Ming Yin ◽  
Dichen Li
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Manufacturing Strategy ◽  
Low Loss ◽  
Printing Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design And Manufacturing ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Loss Characteristic

Purpose Artificial electromagnetic (EM) medium and devices are designed with integrated micro- and macro-structures depending on the EM transmittance performance, which is difficult to fabricate by the conventional processes. Three-dimensional (3D) printing provides a new solution for the delicate artificial EM medium. This paper aims to first review the applications of 3D printing in the fabrication of EM medium briefly, mainly focusing on photonic crystals, metamaterials and gradient index (GRIN) devices. Then, a new design and fabrication strategy is proposed for the EM medium based on the 3D printing process, which was verified by the implementation of a 3D 90o Eaton lens based on GRIN metamaterials. Design/methodology/approach A new design and manufacturing strategy driven by the physical (EM transmittance) performance is proposed to illustrate the realization procedures of EM medium based device with controllable micro- and macro-structures. Stereolithography-based 3D printing process is used to obtain the designed EM device, an GRIN Eaton lens. The EM transmittance of the Eaton lens was validated experimentally and by simulation. Findings A 3D 90o Eaton lens was realized based on GRIN metamaterials structure according to the proposed design and manufacturing strategy, which had the broadband (12-18 GHz) and low loss characteristic. The feasibility of 3D printing for the artificial EM medium and GRIN devices has been verified for the further real applications in the industries. Originality/value The applications of 3D printing in artificial EM medium and devices were systematically reviewed. A new design strategy driven by physical performance for the EM device was proposed and validated by the firstly 3D printed 3D Eaton lens.

3D printing of geopolymer-based concrete for building applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1783-1788
Author(s):  
Asif Ur Rehman ◽  
Vincenzo M. Sglavo
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Modulus Of Rupture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Jet Printing ◽  
Printing System ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Alkali Activated

Purpose Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology allows geometric complexity and customization with a significant reduction in the structural environmental impact. Nevertheless, it poses a serious threat to the environment when organic binders are used. Binder jet printing of alkali-activated geopolymer precursor can represent a successful and environmental-friendly alternative. Design/methodology/approach The present work reports about the successful 3D printing of metakaolin-based alkali-activated concrete, with dimensional integrity and valuable mechanical behavior. Findings The geometric behavior was studied as a function of alkali activator flow rate, and the minimum geometric deviation with complete saturation was recorded at 103 mg/s. The printed specimen is characterized by a modulus of rupture as high as 4.4 MPa at 135 mg/s. Practical implications The 3D printed geopolymer-based concrete can be potentially used in a wide range of structural applications from construction to thermal insulation elements. Originality/value The analysis of the 3D geopolymer-based concrete printing system and material conducted in this paper is original.

Quality control issues in 3D-printing manufacturing: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 607-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Chieh Wu ◽  
Tin-Chih Toly Chen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Control Charts ◽  
Product Life Cycle ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Effect Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Printing Quality ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
And Control

Purpose This study aims to investigate issues of quality and quality control (QC) in three-dimensional (3D) printing by reviewing past work and current practices. Possible future developments are also discussed. Design/methodology/approach After a discussion of the major quality dimensions of 3D-printed objects, the applications of some QC techniques at various stages of the product life cycle (including product design, process planning, incoming QC, in-process QC and outgoing QC) are introduced. Findings The application of QC techniques to 3D printing is not uncommon. Some techniques (e.g. cause-and-effect analysis) have been applied extensively; others, such as design of experiments, have not been used accurately and completely and therefore cannot optimize quality. Taguchi’s method and control charts can enhance the quality of 3D-printed objects; however, these techniques require repetitive experimentation, which may not fit the work flow of 3D printing. Originality/value Because quality issues may discourage customers from buying 3D-printed products, enhancing 3D printing quality is imperative. In addition, 3D printing can be used to manufacture diverse products with a reduced investment in machines, tools, assembly and materials. Production economics issues can be addressed by successfully implementing QC.

3D printing: an emerging technology for sensor fabrication

Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sensor Fabrication ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Complex Shapes ◽  
Printed Sensors ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

Purpose This study aims to provide a technical insight into sensors fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing methods. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction to 3D printing, this article first discusses printed sensors for strain and allied variables, based on a diverse range of principles and materials. It then considers ultrasonic and acoustic sensor developments and provides details of a sensor based on 3D printed electronic components for monitoring food quality in real-time. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn. Findings Several variants of the 3D printing technique have been used in the fabrication of a range of sensors based on many different operating principles. These exhibit good performance and sometimes unique characteristics. A key benefit is the ability to overcome the limitations of conventional manufacturing techniques by creating complex shapes from a wide range of sensing materials. Originality/value 3D printing is a new and potentially important sensor fabrication technology, and this article provides details of a range of recently reported developments.

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