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 specializing in 3D printing are embracing novel technologies and applications to drive innovation and enhance their operations. Medtronic Plc, for instance, has developed a cutting electrode enhancement for laparoscopic electrosurgical devices, enabling more effective tissue coagulation and cutting. CRANIAL Technologies NOLGIES INC holds a patent for a method utilizing additive manufacturing to create custom cranial remodeling devices, addressing deformities in patients through personalized fabrication. Meanwhile, B. Braun SE has innovated a generative manufacturing process for medical clips, streamlining production for greater efficiency and precision. Additionally, the University of Minnesota has devised devices and techniques leveraging electromagnetic signals to treat tumors, with a focus on glioblastoma multiforme, offering potential advancements in cancer therapy. Lastly, Blok Additive Manufacturing BV's patented heat and moisture exchanger with a rigid monolithic body showcases efficient fluid communication for enhanced heat and moisture exchange in medical applications.

Acquirers of these patents will benefit from advancements in 3D printing technologies and applications in the medical field. These innovations enable more precise and effective surgical procedures, personalized medical devices, targeted tumor treatments, and improved heat and moisture exchange in medical settings.

The industry experienced a 12% growth in the number of 3d printing-related patent applications in Q2 2023 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 5% compared with Q2 2022.

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 2023, the number of 3D printing-related deals in the medical device industry declined by 17% compared with Q2 2022. On a quarterly basis, the number of deals in Q2 2023 compared to the previous quarter, remained flat.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q2 2023, the medical device industry experienced a 26% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 40%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 35%, emerged as the top 3D printing-related job roles within the medical device industry in Q2 2023, with new job postings rising by 10% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 18% in Q2 2023, with new job postings dropping by 15% over the previous quarter. The other prominent 3D printing roles include Production Occupations with a 6% share in Q2 2023, and management occupations with a 5% share of new job postings.

Stryker, Danaher, Materialise, Koninklijke Philips, and Align Technology 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, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan also maintain significant positions in 3D printing adoption within the medical device industry.

In conclusion, the medical device industry experienced mixed trends in 3D printing, with significant growth in quarterly patent applications but an annual decline. Strategic deals decreased both quarterly and compared to the previous quarter. Job postings exhibited substantial quarterly and annual declines, with architecture and engineering occupations leading in 3D printing roles.

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