3D printing has revolutionised the MedTech industry, enabling rapid prototyping, personalised healthcare solutions and cost-effective manufacturing. Choosing the right material for your MedTech 3D print is crucial as it can impact everything from biocompatibility to structural integrity. From polymers, metals, bioprinting to composites, we’ve highlighted the most used materials in 3D printing in MedTech and their unique advantages.

1. Polymers

Polymers are among the most widely used materials in 3D printing due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness.

• PLA (Polylactic Acid):
  A biodegradable material often used for non-critical applications like prototypes or anatomical models. It’s easy to print and ideal for educational or pre-surgical planning.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):
  Known for its durability, ABS is used in creating robust medical equipment housings and tools.
• PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone):
  Highly resistant to heat and chemicals, it is also used for its strength and is lightweight in comparison to other materials, PEEK is ideal for implants and prosthetics, as well as in dental. Its biocompatibility makes it a strong contender for long-term use within the human body.
• TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):
  A flexible polymer used for medical wearables, soft prosthetics and customised orthotics.

2. Metals

Metal 3D printing has enabled breakthroughs in creating strong, durable and biocompatible components for MedTech.

• Titanium:
  Renowned for its strength, light weight and biocompatibility, titanium is used in implants such as hip replacements and dental implants.
• Stainless Steel (surgical grade):
  Durable and corrosion-resistant, stainless steel is often used for surgical instruments and non-permanent implants.
• Cobalt-chromium alloys:
  Commonly used in dentistry and orthopaedics, cobalt-chromium offers exceptional wear resistance.
• Gold, silver and copper:
  Precious metals are used in specialised medical applications, such as small, biocompatible components for implants.

3. Ceramics

Ceramic materials are used in applications requiring high biocompatibility and mechanical strength.

• Hydroxyapatite:
  A naturally occurring mineral in bone, hydroxyapatite is used in bone grafts and coatings for implants to enhance integration with natural bone.
• Zirconia:
  Used in dental implants and prosthetics due to its strength and aesthetic qualities.
• Alumina:
  Known for its wear resistance, alumina is utilised in joint replacements and other load-bearing applications.

4. Bioprinting Materials (Bioinks)

Bioinks are revolutionising the MedTech field by enabling the creation of living tissues and organs.

• Alginate:
  Derived from seaweed, alginate is used for creating scaffolds in tissue engineering.
• Collagen:
  A key protein in connective tissues, collagen bioinks support cell growth and are used in wound healing applications.
• Gelatine:
  Ideal for soft tissue engineering, gelatine offers biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• Pluronic F127:
  Used in research and development for bioprinting complex structures, it provides a stable scaffold for cells.

5. Composites

Composite materials combine the properties of two or more materials, providing unique benefits.

• Carbon fibre reinforced polymers:
  Lightweight and durable, these are used for medical device housings and prosthetics.
• Glass-filled polymers:
  Provide enhanced stiffness and are used for dental and orthopaedic applications.

The wide variety of materials now available for 3D printing in MedTech is opening up exciting new opportunities for innovation in healthcare—delivering faster, more cost-effective, durable, and highly personalised solutions for patients.

At the 3M BIC, we can 3D print in several of the materials mentioned above. Get in touch to find out more.

This blog has been written with a little help from AI.