3D printing is transforming the medical device industry, enabling innovations in bioprinting, drug delivery systems, and personalized dental care. Companies are not only developing advanced technologies like precise bioprinting and customized dental devices but also strategically investing in 3D printing to secure partnerships and enhance their market position. Despite a recent decline in deals and job postings, the demand for roles in architecture, engineering, and production remains strong, reflecting the industry’s commitment to leveraging 3D printing for improved patient outcomes. The impact of 3D printing extends beyond the medical device sector, influencing various industries. GlobalData’s 3D printing market report provides comprehensive analysis of the market. Buy the report here.
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This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the medical device industry regarding 3D printing. It provides an overview of recent developments in 3D printing-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the medical device industry.
Diverse applications of 3D printing in medical device industry
Medical companies are increasingly leveraging advanced 3D printing technologies to enhance their product offerings and improve patient outcomes. Recent patents highlight innovations such as a bioprinting method that utilizes a confocal light source for precise photocrosslinking, enabling the creation of complex biological structures. Additionally, a novel insulin injection pump design incorporates piezoelectric elements for efficient drug delivery, while a new container for medicaments enhances substance ejection capabilities. The development of additively manufactured dental devices, including a denture base with a removable bracing body, showcases advancements in personalized dental care. These technologies not only streamline production processes but also facilitate the customization of medical devices, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and patients.
The industry experienced a 25% decline in the number of 3D printing-related patent applications in Q2 2024 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of 3D printing-related patent applications in the medical device industry witnessed a rise of 4% compared with Q2 2023.
Strategic deal trends in 3D printing in medical device industry
Medical Device companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in 3D printing. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of 3D printing in the medical device industry.
In Q2 2024, the number of 3D printing-related deals in the medical device industry declined by 57% compared with Q2 2023. On a quarterly basis, there was 67% drop in the number of deals in Q2 2024 compared with the previous quarter.
Impact on hiring
In terms of new job posting, in Q2 2024, the medical device industry experienced a 24% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also grew by 6%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 37%, emerged as the top 3D printing-related job roles within the medical device industry in Q2 2024, with new job postings drop by 23% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 10% in Q2 2024, with new job postings dropping by 13% over the previous quarter. The other prominent 3D printing roles include production occupations with a 10% share in Q2 2024, and management occupations with a 8% share of new job postings.
Align Technology, Envista, Planmeca, Globus Medical, and Intuitive Surgical are among the top companies leading in 3D printing hiring within the medical device industry.
Countries driving adoption of 3D printing in medical device industry
The US is the leading country in 3D printing adoption within the medical device industry, boasting the highest number of 3D printing-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, China, Singapore, Australia and Japan also maintain significant positions in 3D printing adoption within the medical device industry.
The growing adoption of 3D printing in the medical device industry is driving innovation and personalization, significantly enhancing healthcare delivery. As the US leads this trend, the global impact of these technologies is set to transform patient care.
To further understand GlobalData's analysis on 3D printing in the medical device industry, buy the report here.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
