Medical Modeling
Medical Modeling
Example of electron beam melting for titanium implant production.
3D Systems is a company that never shies away from the biggest issues in 3D printing, which is why TCT Show + Personalize is proud to announce the industry juggernaut will be tackling the red hot topic of 3D printing in the medical arena in the Day Three keynote session of the event.
Leading this major presentation will be Andy Christensen, Vice-President of Personalized Surgery and Medical Devices at 3D Systems, whose company Medical Modeling was acquired by 3D Systems this year.
Medical Modeling pioneered 3D printing-centric personalised surgery and patient-specific medical device solutions with FDA-cleared manufacturing processes that utilised Geomagic Freeform modelling software, haptic tools and advanced manufacturing stereolithography machines, among other technologies. Using 3D printing in this way is transforming how doctors are treating patients, particularly in the fields of reconstruction, orthotics and prosthetics.
Under Andy Christensen's leadership, 3D Systems has consolidated all of its healthcare endeavours into a single unit creating the largest 3D printing-based personalised surgery.
In 2014 alone, 3D Systems has been making major headlines thanks to the part its technology has played in bringing about real medical firsts, such as the Ekso-Suit, which was 3D-printed using 3D Systems' technology for paraplegic Amanda Boxtel; or Hammerhead Design & Development teaming up with 3D Systems' Quickparts to produce custom medical device trays.
Christensen stated: "Over the past 15 years Medical Modeling has pioneered the field of personalised surgery using technology from 3D Systems. Anatomical modelling was the first application of additive manufacturing to medicine, taking CT scans and turning them into highly accurate 3D printed models. The next step has been the development of Virtual Surgical Planning, whereby a surgical plan is developed on the computer and brought to the operating room by 3D printing templates, models, guides and implants.
"Now, as part of 3D Systems we are transitioning to a technology solution provider, which means we have more than one set of tools to meet our customers' needs, be they surgeons or medical device manufacturers. This is an exciting development for us and allows us to continue to grow our service business while helping others realise value through access to our collective expertise."
Duncan Wood, COO of Rapid News Communications Group, which organises TCT Show + Personalize, said: "We are delighted to welcome Andy Christensen to the TCT stage to deliver his keynote presentation on the industry-shaping topic of additive manufacturing in the medical field. 3D printing is revolutionising healthcare, rebuilding livelihoods through the developments it has made in reconstructive surgery, right through to relieving common complaints like knee pain and shin splints with customised insoles. The potential for this technology is only going to grow and 3D Systems, with the expertise of Medical Modeling, is a fantastic brand to give 3D printing in the medical sector a platform."
This will be the 19th edition of the annual TCT Show, the UK's leading 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development showcase and the calibre of the keynote speakers proves 2014's outing really is a 'must attend' event. The show runs for three days this year and features nearly 200 exhibitors and as many as 10,000 visitors from over 50 countries.
TCT Show + Personalize 2014 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 30th-October 2nd 2014.
