3D printing enabled-redistributed manufacturing of medical devices

J. Munguia, T. Honey, Y. Zhang, M. Drinnan, C. Di Maria, A. Bray, M. Whitaker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Recently the home-use segment of medical devices has entered in the loop of Additive Manufacturing (AM) enabled optimizations, this includes CPAP masks, insulin delivery packs and diagnostic tools such as urine-flow meters. Here we analyze the supply chain provision of a specific uroflowmetry device which is originally designed in Europe, manufactured in Asia and which has a range of distribution channels across healthcare systems. This paper analyses the impact of various AM technologies that can enable near-patient manufacture of devices ondemand. Our analysis shows that the cost of design-changes (or product updates), when reflected on the overall lifecycle cost, can be comparable to producing the device locally with a different supply chain arrangement. Furthermore it is suggested that in order to fully exploit the capabilities afforded by AM, the original product’s design features must be modified so that built-times are reduced allowing a larger 3D printing-based production capacity.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSolid Freeform Fabrication 2016: Proceedings of the 27th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference, SFF 2016
PublisherUniversity of Texas Press
Pages1680-1686
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event27th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference, - AT and T Executive Education and Conference Center, Austin, United States
Duration: 8 Aug 201610 Aug 2016

Conference

Conference27th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference,
Abbreviated titleSFF 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin
Period8/08/1610/08/16

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