Additive manufacturing is currently used in many sectors and industries, and research continues into its potential for a variety of applications. Compared to traditional manufacturing processes, it is based on the addition of material and allows the production of intricate geometries and customised designs.
In the biomedical field, the seven additive manufacturing processes categorized by the ISO/ASTM standard are applied in the production of implants and prostheses adapted to patients, surgical models for the study of diseases, and medical devices and instruments. In addition, a further technique, bioprinting, allows the production of tissues and organs from living cells.
This paper analyses the current situation of this technology, looking its origins and presenting the future prospects for the sector.

DOI: 10.17489/biohun/2023/1/570