3D printing represents a promising technology for manufacturing reliable and safe personalized medicines. Thanks to 3D printing, it is possible to customize treatments to meet the specific needs of each patient. In addition, this technology improves the acceptability of treatments by modifying the shape of the medicines. In the pharmaceutical industry, 3D printing accelerates drug development by offering rapid prototyping capabilities. Pharmaceutical 3D printing also allows for more testing throughout the development process. There are several 3D printing technologies available on the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages regarding drug production.

To each technology its use

Need to produce personalized medicines or accelerate the development of a new medicine? Each 3D printing technology will adapt to different needs. Explore with MB Therapeutics, a pioneer in pharmaceutical 3D printing, the various possibilities available today.

Fused filament fabrication 3D printing 

FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printing

FDM or FFF printing technology is a common 3D printing method that uses a molten thermoplastic filament to build an object layer by layer. This technology is particularly suitable for producing personalized medicines that are not temperature-sensitive.
Filament production involves strong control over extrusion technology and a 3D print head specifically developed for pharmaceutical filaments.
FFF technology is affordable, easy to use, and safe because the user will handle solid materials, which limits contamination risks.
This is why MB Therapeutics will integrate pharmaceutical filament technology into its MED-U Modular pharmaceutical printer.

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Gels/pastes 3D printing

Gel printing technology uses a gel or paste that is deposited layer by layer to form a solid object. This technology allows for rapid protoformulation. If your active ingredient is not water-sensitive, this technology is particularly suitable for manufacturing personalized medicines. This is why MB Therapeutics has integrated this technology into the MED-U Modular.

3D printing of gels by volumetric dosing 

Stereolithography 3D printing 

Source: 3DNative

SLA (Stereolithography) 3D Printing

SLA technology uses a liquid resin that is cured using a laser to form a solid object layer by layer. In the pharmaceutical field, few excipients can be in resin form. Furthermore, it is necessary to control the monomer residues present in the resin as they can pose a health risk.

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D Printing

SLS technology uses a polymer powder that is fused layer by layer using a laser to form a solid object. A wide variety of Active Ingredients are sensitive to lasers, and the use of powder makes it difficult to use on a daily basis.

Laser sintering 3D printing

Material extrusion 3D printing techniques (gels and FFF) are widespread 3D printing technologies used in personalized medicine. These processes enable the creation of medicines with specific dosages tailored to patient needs. Simple, affordable, and widely accessible, these 3D printing techniques are perfectly suited for the personalized medicine applications that MB Therapeutics offers today with the MED-U Modular.