The medical device sector is witnessing significant advancements through the utilization of 3D printing technologies, reflected in recent patents that enable medical companies to enhance their product offerings, improve patient outcomes, and streamline manufacturing processes. Leading companies like Avanos Medical and Stryker are driving adoption, leveraging these patents to expand treatment options and refine product offerings. The use of 3D printing in the medical field continues to revolutionize healthcare by providing tailored solutions for complex medical conditions. 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 leveraging the latest 3D printing technologies to innovate and improve their businesses. Recent patents reveal advancements in sacropelvic fusion implants, surgical implant devices with porous surfaces, optimized orthodontic applications, and injectable hydrogel materials. These innovations offer benefits such as improved stability in spinal deformity surgery, enhanced tissue integration, personalized dental arch forms, and versatile biomedical applications. By acquiring these patents, medical companies can enhance their product offerings, streamline surgical procedures, and develop cutting-edge medical solutions. The use of additive manufacturing techniques in these patents showcases the potential for cost-effective production and customized medical devices, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and expanded treatment options in the field of 3D printing technologies.
The industry experienced a 17% decline in the number of 3D printing-related patent applications in Q1 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 drop of 16% compared with Q1 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 Q1 2024, the number of 3D printing-related deals in the medical device industry grew by 50% compared with Q1 2023. On a quarterly basis, there was 80% increase in the number of deals in Q1 2024 compared with the previous quarter.
Impact on hiring
In terms of new job posting, in Q1 2024, the medical device industry experienced a 13% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 0.83%. 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 Q1 2024, with new job postings rising by 64% quarter-on-quarter. Production occupations came in second with a share of 9% in Q1 2024, with new job postings rising by 82% over the previous quarter. The other prominent 3D printing roles include management occupations with an 8% share in Q1 2024, and computer and mathematical occupations with a 8% share of new job postings.
Avanos Medical, Materialise, Stryker, Align Technology, and Fresenius SE & Co 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, Australia, Japan, China and the UK also maintain significant positions in 3D printing adoption within the medical device industry.
In conclusion, despite a decline in 3D printing-related patent applications, the medical device industry is witnessing strategic growth in deals and job postings, particularly in roles related to architecture, engineering, and production. Leading companies like Avanos Medical and Stryker are driving this trend, with the US taking the lead in 3D printing adoption.
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.
