Research data supporting the thesis Non-assembly Additive Manufacturing of Medical Devices

In the medical field, non-assembly designs enable the creation of increasingly complex devices that can facilitate a wide range of complex operations. In conventional medical device manufacturing, intricate components are typically produced separately and then assembled, a process that introduces complexities, costs, and potential points of failure. Non-assembly additive manufacturing addresses these challenges by allowing the creation of complex medical structures, such as surgical instruments, prosthetics, and patient-specific implants, in a seamless and continuous manner. For the production of complex medical devices with miniature- and micro-sized components, for which conventional assembly processes can be long and time-consuming, non-assembly manufacturing can shorten the total manufacturing time, reduce costs, and eliminate the need for specialized knowledge and tools for the assembly and fine-tuning of the device. This efficiency is particularly crucial in the medical field, where timely access to customized and precise solutions can significantly impact patient outcomes. Non-assembly additive manufacturing also has the potential to drive innovation in medical device design. Designers and engineers can explore new possibilities, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in terms of functionality, customization, and patient-specific adaptations. Therefore, the main purpose of the research described in this thesis, is to explore the possible contributions of non-assembly additive manufacturing to the production of complex medical devices.