A new printing technology at Penn State Hershey gives doctors and researchers new possibilities.
Instead of ink on paper, a 3D printer can “print” strands of material in layers to create solid items. Doctors can imagine, design and create prototypes of everything from surgical tools to medical devices like abdominal drains and orthopedic screws.
“There is a big splash about 3D printing — and with good reason,” said Dr. Randy Haluck, vice chairman for technology and innovation for the Department of Surgery.
In the past, a doctor who wanted only a few of something for testing or custom use would have to go through a manufacturing process set up to make thousands of the same thing. Now, a single item or a small batch can be printed.
“This is faster, more efficient and cheaper,” said Dr. Peter Dillon, chair, Department of Surgery.
Just as a draft of text can be printed on a two-dimensional surface and then tweaked and revised before printing again, the same can be done with the 3D machine.
Haluck said, “We can also create complex shapes we wouldn’t otherwise be able to make through a standard manufacturing process of molding and milling.”
Read more about how 3D printing is being used at Penn State Hershey in this Penn State Medicine article.