Medical 3D Printing Using Material Jetting: Technology Overview, Medical Applications, and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Material Jetting 3D printing (MJT 3DP) utilizes photocurable materials and inks for layer-by-layer fabrication.
• Its high resolution and full-color capabilities make it suitable for complex medical applications.
• The technology has seen global adoption and increasing literature, yet a comprehensive review of its medical uses is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide the first comprehensive review of Material Jetting 3D printing applications in medicine.
• To detail the technological aspects of MJT 3DP.
• To present case studies and discuss challenges for clinical implementation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Material Jetting 3D printing in medicine.
• Analysis of technological capabilities and limitations.
• Inclusion of case studies from a university 3D printing lab.

Main Results:

• Material Jetting 3D printing is increasingly adopted globally for creating advanced prototypes and medical models.
• The technology enables highly accurate, multi-color part fabrication.
• Challenges include cost, required expertise, and scalability for clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• Material Jetting 3D printing is a promising technology for medical applications, particularly for representing complex data from medical imaging.
• Future advancements in imaging and segmentation will enhance MJT 3DP's utility.
• Addressing cost, expertise, and scalability is crucial for broader clinical integration.