3D printed medical parts with different materials using additive manufacturing

Background Identified and studied research articles catering to the medical field on Additive Manufacturing (AM) and its application in different fields using different materials to provide the direction of the development. Materials and methods Research objectives are designed to fulfil the research gaps by conducting a literature review based study. Scopus database is used to conduct the bibliometric analysis for different materials as being used in AM towards medical applications. The primary focus is to identify the capability of printing technologies for different materials, thereby providing exclusive benefits to humanity. Results We have identified research status on AM and its applications in different fields. By searching keywords as "additive manufacturing"; entire 16043 research articles are identified and by searching for keywords as "additive manufacturing" materials" medical", 571 research articles are published so far. This paper describes various additive manufacturing processes and twelve primary fields developed by this technology, along with significant references. Finally, identified 16 significant materials being used by AM in the medical field. Conclusion Additive manufacturing has the potential to improve the design and development of medical parts and products. This technology is applied for the manufacturing of customised and sophisticated products with different materials, thereby performing it with lesser wastage of time and material. There is a scope to achieve various flexibilities by using different software and technological platforms. AM helps improve the accuracy and reliability of the design, as well as ease of design. This technology is now available for improving the performance of medical part by providing unique and innovative design through the use of different materials with improved quality of the product. This emerging technology provides an extensive capability for future development.