Application and evaluation of fused deposition modeling technique in customized medical products.

ABSTRACT

The fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique has enormous potential for developing customized medical products with complicated structures. In this study, the application of the FDM technique to three medical products was investigated, and the risk factors affecting product quality were evaluated. For FDM-printed matrix and reservoir preparations, special attention should be paid to spacing width reduction and layered coating thickness. Therefore, spacing printing fidelity and interlayer bonding strength was established as unique indexes to characterize the effectiveness and safety of FDM-printed medicine. For FDM-printed orthopedic implants, layer height affected the dimensional deviation of surface morphology, which could be digitally evaluated. Moreover, internal structure affected the biomechanical behavior, which could be investigated using in silico simulation. The results reveal the broad application of FDM technology in customized medical products and might help to establish scientific and reasonable evaluation systems for them.