In previous blog posts, we explored the unique history of 3D printing in the orthotic and prosthetic industry and the challenges associated with this evolving technology. In our final installment, we will examine the benefits this technology brings to the limb loss community and clinicians.

In the medical field, 3D printing is expected to be worth $3.5bn by 2025. Despite this technology’s wide variety of medical applications, 3D printing is mainly popular in dentistry and biomedical engineering. With the 3D printer’s accessibility and relatively inexpensive costs, why isn’t 3D printing more widely used in O&P? In part one, we explored the history of 3D printing in O&P. In part two, we will explore the barriers clinicians face to adopting this technology.

3D printing—also known as stereolithography (SLA) or rapid prototyping (RP)—is the process of making three dimensional objects from digital files. In this blog series, we will explore how 3D printing has changed the orthotic and prosthetic industry. But first—let’s start from the beginning.