Technological developments in medical applications of rapid prototyping and manufacturing technology over the last decade

This paper identifies the most significant technological developments made in medical applications of rapid prototyping and manufacturing (RP&M) over the previous decade. This assessment was based on a retrospective analysis of the research undertaken by the Medical Applications Group of the National Centre for Product Design & Development Research (PDR); based at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), UK. The paper describes the state of technology at the inception of the Group in 1998 and then highlights the significant technological developments that impacted on the activities of the Group over the decade to 2008. The paper will also discuss how these technologies have developed since their initial implementation. The paper will conclude with suggested directions future work should take in order to meet clinical and technical needs.