The integration of 3D printing in the medical device sector revolutionizes operations, driving a paradigm shift by enhancing precision and fostering innovation to redefine healthcare standards. Despite a recent decline in 3D printing patent applications and deals, a surge in job postings, particularly in architecture, engineering, and managerial roles, highlights evolving demands within this domain. Leading entities like Align Technology and Medtronic drive 3D printing advancements through strategic talent acquisition efforts. GlobalData’s 3D Printing Market Report provides comprehensive insights and analysis, detailing market trends, opportunities, and strategic outlooks, enabling informed decision-making and proactive growth strategies for stakeholders. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
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 in the field of 3D printing are leveraging the latest patents to innovate and improve their businesses. One such patent is for a method, system, and apparatus for designing a bone plate to be used in orthopedic surgery. This technology allows for the construction of a 3D model of the bone structure and the generation of a 3D model of the bone plate based on the extension route and pre-stored templates. Another patent focuses on producing dental appliances using additive manufacturing. By adding layers of materials to the 3D printed appliances, the physical and mechanical properties can be modified as required. Additionally, there are patents for surgical templates that aid in working on bones, including methods of manufacturing and fitting prostheses. These patents provide medical companies with valuable tools and techniques to enhance their 3D printing technologies and applications, ultimately benefiting patients and improving surgical outcomes.
The industry experienced a 21% decline in the number of 3D printing-related patent applications in Q3 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 0.62% compared with Q3 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 D printing in the medical device industry.
In Q3 2023, the number of 3D printing-related deals in the medical device industry declined by 50% compared with Q3 2022. On a quarterly basis, there was 40% drop in the number of deals in Q3 2023 compared with the previous quarter.
Impact on hiring
In terms of new job posting, in Q3 2023, the medical device industry experienced a 10% growth compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 22%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 39%, emerged as the top 3D printing-related job roles within the medical device industry in Q3 2023, with new job postings rising by 23% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 12% in Q3 2023, with new job postings dropping by 33% over the previous quarter. The other prominent 3D printing roles include management occupations with a 12% share in Q3 2023, and production occupations with a 6% share of new job postings.
Align Technology, Koninklijke Philips, Stryker, Medtronic, and Neuralink 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, Japan, South Korea and Australia 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. Stryker, Danaher, Materialise, Koninklijke Philips, and Align Technology are prominent in 3D printing hiring. The US remains the primary driver of 3D printing adoption, with China, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan also playing significant roles in the industry.
To further understand GlobalData's analysis on 3D printing in the medical device industry, buy the report here.
Premium Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
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.
