3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), refers to various processes used to synthesize a three-dimensional object. In 3D printing, successive layers of material are formed under computer control to create an object. These objects can be of almost any shape or geometry and are produced from a 3D model or other electronic data source. 3D printing in the term’s original sense refers to processes that sequentially deposit material onto a powder bed with inkjet printer heads. More recently, the meaning of the term has expanded to encompass a wider variety of techniques such as extrusion and sintering-based processes. 3D printing has been used to print patient specific implant and device for medical use. 3D printing technology can now be used to make exact replicas of organs. The printer uses images from patients’ MRI or CT scan images as a template and lays down layers of rubber or plastic.
In the present book, twelve typical literatures about 3D printing in medicine published on international authoritative journals were selected to introduce the worldwide newest progress, which contains reviews or original researches on medical science concerning 3D printing. We hope this book can demonstrate advances in 3D printing in medicine as well as give references to the researchers, students and other related people.