Medical applications of rapid prototyping - From applications to classification

Jukka Tuomi*, Kaija-Stiina Paloheimo, Roy Björkstrand, Mika Salmi, Markku Paloheimo, Antti Mäkitie

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Rapid Prototyping (RP) technologies are widely used in industrial settings and currently also in several areas of medicine. Various techniques along with numerous types of materials are used for these applications. Therefore, a classification system would aid the development and scientific work as well as the communication between centres involved in this field. Our ongoing project on the medical applications of RP has involved six investigational areas. These include "Biomanufacturing" (tissue engineering + RP), models for preoperative planning, inert implants, orthodontic treatment, postoperative support structures and surgical special instruments. Based on this experience and available literature we have categorized the applications into five groups based on the solution which they yield. These groups form the basis for our classification. We propose a solution rather than technology based classification to be used regarding the development of medical applications of RP. The representative case studies of our project as well as the available literature are discussed in the light of this proposal.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationInnovative Developments in Design and Manufacturing.Advanced Research in Virtual and Rapid Prototyping - Proceedings of VR"P4, Leiria, Portugal, October 2009
    EditorsP.J. et al Bártolo
    Place of PublicationLondon
    PublisherTaylor & Francis
    Pages701-704
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)9780415873079
    Publication statusPublished - 2010
    MoE publication typeA4 Conference publication
    EventInternational Conference on Advanced Research and Virtual Rapid Prototyping - Leira, Portugal
    Duration: 6 Oct 200910 Oct 2009
    Conference number: 4

    Conference

    ConferenceInternational Conference on Advanced Research and Virtual Rapid Prototyping
    Abbreviated titleVRAP
    Country/TerritoryPortugal
    CityLeira
    Period06/10/200910/10/2009

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