On the adoption of additive manufacturing in healthcare: a literature review
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 3 October 2018
Issue publication date: 7 January 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss different 3D printing techniques and also illustrate the issues related to 3D printing and cost-effectiveness in the near future.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review methodology is adopted for this review paper. 3D printing is in the initial phase of implementation in healthcare; therefore, a study of 70 research papers is done, which discusses the research trends of 3D printing in healthcare sector from 2007 to mid-2018.
Findings
Though additive manufacturing has a vast application, it has not been used to its full potential. Therefore, more research is required in that direction. It is revealed from the review that only a few researchers have explored issues related to cost, which can clearly show cost-effectiveness of adopting 3D printing.
Originality/value
This paper helps in understanding the different 3D printing techniques and their application in the healthcare. It also proposed some methods which can be applied in delivering customized pharmaceuticals to the customer and to improve surgery.
Keywords
Citation
Ramola, M., Yadav, V. and Jain, R. (2019), "On the adoption of additive manufacturing in healthcare: a literature review", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 48-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-03-2018-0094
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited