Ricoh USA has launched its Point of Care 3D medical device manufacturing facility, the RICOH 3D for Healthcare Innovation Studio, in the US.

Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the facility will provide clinicians with immediate access to 3D-printed anatomic models for surgical planning and patient education.

The RICOH 3D for Healthcare Innovation Studio is the first in a planned series of such facilities that will be connected directly to a health system.

This facility will leverage Ricoh's HIPAA-compliant and ISO 13485-certified 3D medical device manufacturing centre and Managed Services pedigree to develop, design, and production services of 3D-printed anatomic models.

Its integration into the hospital environment means clinicians will have on-site access to Ricoh's technology ecosystem and quality management system, thereby ensuring the availability of FDA-cleared devices, stated the company.

The RICOH 3D for Healthcare Innovation Studio can produce anatomic models for various medical applications, including diagnostics in the craniomaxillofacial, orthopaedic, and cardiovascular fields, among others.

These models are created using segmented 3D print files from medical images in FDA-cleared applications.

This new facility enables Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Wake Forest University School of Medicine to establish a Medical 3D Printing Center of Excellence, in collaboration with Wake Forest Innovations and Innovation Quarter.

The use of 3D-printed anatomic models has been shown to reduce operating times and costs, redefine surgical approaches, and provide educational opportunities.

It also improves diagnostic support and decreases compliance concerns.

Ricoh USA North America additive manufacturing managing director Gary Turner said: “The RICOH 3D for Healthcare Innovation Studio is a foundational step in Ricoh’s long-term vision to lead the way in democratising access to patient-specific, precision medical solutions in healthcare.

“As we look to integrate and scale point-of-care facilities within health systems nationally, we’re extremely grateful that Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has partnered with us to make the first facility a reality, and we look forward to growing 3D production within their network and in other hospital systems across the country.”

Last year, Stratasys and Ricoh USA signed an agreement for the delivery of print-on-demand 3D-printed anatomic models for clinical settings.