Additive Technologies in the Medical Field for 2030

Abstract

Additive technologies are by definition technologies capable of producing products in a layer-by-layer fashion. Due to the specific characteristics of these technologies, the products can be produced in multi-materials and without any geometric limitations. By associating the use of biocompatible materials, it has become an excellent technology to develop products and/ or devices for the medical field. Additive manufacturing technologies within the medical field have created a specific technological field, namely biomanufacturing which is capable of producing medical devices with the combination of biomaterials, drugs and growth factors and the use of cells for the production of biomedical implants. Additive manufacturing and biomanufacturing technologies have thus shown to be capable of meeting the requirements demanded by the medical sector. However, the significance of these technologies can’t be based only on the current context, but also need to be assessed in the future context. Given the growth and diversity that these technologies have achieved, this study aims to examine the future impact of additive manufacturing technologies in the medical field for the year 2030. To meet this goal, we used the Delphi method which is a technique that involves the application of questionnaires to experts in the field, until reaching the relative consensus of the predictions of these technologies.