Meticuly Shares “Technology Bittersweet” Perspectives on 3D Printing and Patient-Specific Implants at SCOTI 3D-NEST

Meticuly, a medical technology company specialising in 3D printing and patient-specific implant solutions, participated in the SCOTI 3D-NEST conference organized by IFMSA-Thailand, contributing to interdisciplinary discussions on emerging technologies in healthcare.

The session featured Dr. Chetarpa (Pam) Yipyintum, PhD, Business Development Lead at Meticuly and Director of Meticuly Innovations (UK), who delivered a keynote lecture under the theme “Technology Bittersweet.” The presentation examined both the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid advancement of 3D printing technologies in modern medical practice.

Dr. Yipyintum introduced the fundamental principles of 3D printing (additive manufacturing), emphasising its inherent design freedom and its increasing role in enabling patient-specific implant development and personalized medical solutions. The session highlighted how additive manufacturing has shifted conventional medical device production toward greater precision, customization, and clinical relevance.

Drawing upon her academic background in metallurgical and materials engineering, Dr. Yipyintum provided a structured overview of the 3D printing technology landscape in medical applications, outlining four primary domains: anatomical models for surgical planning and medical education, customised medical devices and patient-specific implants, bioprinting and tissue engineering research, and rapid prototyping for research and emergency clinical response.

Aligned with the “Technology Bittersweet” framework, the discussion addressed not only the clinical benefits of 3D printing, such as enhanced surgical accuracy, reduced operative time, and improved patient outcomes, but also the associated challenges. These included regulatory readiness, quality assurance, workforce capability, system integration, and ethical considerations related to data and biological materials.

Healthcare equity emerged as a central theme of the session. Meticuly shared its collaboration with Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO), through which selected patient-specific implant solutions manufactured via 3D printing have been made eligible for reimbursement under the Universal Health Coverage scheme. This initiative reflects a practical approach to reducing disparities in access to advanced medical technologies.

The presentation also explored the application of 3D printing in addressing the healthcare needs of an aging society. Customsed implants, orthotics, and assistive devices were presented as examples of how technology can enhance mobility, safety, and independence among older adults, while supporting, rather than replacing, human-centered care.

Meticuly continues to integrate design thinking, life cycle assessment, and ESG principles across its product development and manufacturing processes. By aligning its innovation strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company aims to advance responsible 3D printing technologies that deliver measurable clinical value, social impact, and long-term sustainability.

Meticuly’s participation in SCOTI 3D-NEST reinforces the company’s commitment to knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the responsible advancement of patient-specific implant technologies within both local and global healthcare ecosystems.