3D printing technologies and materials in the medical field

Additive manufacturing—or 3D printing—technologies are revolutionizing several aspects of industrial manufacturing, offering new chances for the production of innovative components and reducing the product development cycle. In recent years, 3D printing started to progressively spread in the medical field as well, where it perfectly matches the need for a more personalized medicine. In this context, 3D printing can offer new possibilities, paving the way to solutions even impossible to produce otherwise, for costs and feasibility constraints. 3D printers nowadays can create realistic, precise, and versatile objects in much less time and with reduced costs with respect to standard manufacturing approaches. This chapter provides an overview of the different 3D printing technologies and materials currently available on the market, and their role in the clinical context.