40th International Conference on Production Engineering of Serbia
ICPES 2025
Nis, Serbia, 18-19th september 2025
FROM PRACTICAL INSIGHTS TO FUTURE INNOVATIONS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Razvan PACURAR
DOI: 10.46793/ICPES25.018P
Additive Manufacturing (AM) has transformed the medical domain by enabling the creation of patient-specific implants, prosthetics, surgical tools and bioprinted scaffolds. This paper critically reviews the main AM technologies applied in medicine, highlighting their advantages, limitations and future development needs. Material extrusion, photopolymerization, powder bed fusion and bioprinting methods are discussed with emphasis on their applicability in producing medical applications. Special attention is given to issues such as biocompatibility, sterilization, regulatory frameworks and mechanical reliability. Based on the realized analysis opportunities for design improvements, material innovation and technological optimization are emphasized. Looking ahead, emerging approaches such as 4D printing, multi-material systems, AI-driven design and advanced bioprinting are explored as potential solutions that are considered as reliable alternatives to address the current limitations of AM technological solutions that are used for medical applications. This paper emphasizes therefore the ongoing need for innovation to meet evolving medical requirements and ensure safe, sustainable and personalized healthcare solutions.
Additive manufacturing, biomedical engineering, medical applications, innovations, future trends
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