Very recently, BASF and Essentium together have developed the strongest 3D printed thermoplastic carbon fiber definitive prosthetic socket to enhance the comfortable fits for their patients. First of all, BASF is a German chemical company and Essentium is a team who are working on the bridge between 3D printing and machining. The purpose of this “New definitive sockets” is to increase patient satisfaction and comfort. Since the application of 3D print technology, the money and time would decrease eventually, at the same time, the accuracy can be increased too. They also can use better and more suitable materials on the definitive sockets so that the patient to be taken better care of and reduced their pain.
As 3D print are applying to a larger field, it can help solve more critical problems and make our lives easier. For example, this new definitive socket can help patients to get a better treatment with much lower costs and less time, which means more people who need it can get this treatment so that their living and health condition can change. 3D printing technology has already been applied to education, manufacturing, medicine and etc. I am hoping to see more change in the medical field due to the development of 3D print technology in the future.
Source: https://www.basf.com/us/en/company/news-and-media/news-releases/2018/04/P-US-18-047.html