Industrial additive manufacturing for high-precision medical equipment

Problema

Manufacture complex medical equipment without assuming the limits of traditional manufacturing.

SEDECAL faced the challenge of producing a brain scanner prototype of high technical complexity, with multiple internal parts, large structural components and a large outer casing. Manufacturing using moulds or traditional processes entailed high initial costs, long delivery times and a lack of flexibility incompatible with a project in the midst of a technological validation and innovation phase.

Procedimiento

Industrial additive manufacturing combined to optimise each type of part.

Additium 3D designed a customised additive manufacturing strategy, combining different technologies according to the function of each component.

The internal and structural parts were manufactured in Nylon 12 using SLS technology, guaranteeing strength, precision and repeatability even in series of up to 400 units.

For the large format outer casing, we opted for FDM printing on ABS GF, producing the parts in sections in medium format, which were then joined, caulked and painted by our specialised technical team, achieving a uniform, robust and high aesthetic quality finish.

Mejora

Reduced costs, greater agility and total design freedom.

Thanks to industrial additive manufacturing, SEDECAL was able to develop and validate the equipment without the need for moulds, significantly reducing production times and associated costs. In addition, the process allowed iteration and adjustment of the design of the parts throughout the project, which is key in an environment of advanced medical innovation, where continuous improvement and technical customisation make the difference.

SUCCESS STORY

The case in detail

SEDECAL is a leading company in cutting-edge technology applied to diagnostic radiology and medical imaging. With more than 30 years of experience, In addition, its team develops innovative solutions in digital radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine - human and veterinary - and state-of-the-art medical ozone generators.

In this project, SEDECAL was involved in the development of a highly advanced medical prototype, The aim was to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of neurological diseases. A device that required not only technical precision, but also structural reliability and an external presentation in keeping with a high-level hospital environment.

The main challenge of the project was to manufacture a highly diverse set of components, each with very different mechanical, dimensional and aesthetic requirements. The system combined precision internal parts, large structural elements and a sizable outer casing, all in a context of advanced prototyping very close to real production.

Traditional manufacturing methods, based on moulds or machining, did not offer the flexibility and lead times required for a medical innovation project of this level, where iteration, continuous fine-tuning and design optimisation are critical factors.

The solution: industrial additive manufacturing as a production system

At Additium 3D we approached the project from a clear vision: additive manufacturing not as a specific support to prototyping, but as a actual method of industrial production of plastic parts.

We defined a combined strategy to optimise each component according to its function. SLS 3D printing was used for functional parts in PA12, guaranteeing strength, precision and repeatability even in series of up to 400 units. For large volumes, such as the outer casing, we opted for industrial FDM printing in ABS with glass fibre, manufacturing the parts in sections to speed up times and reduce costs.

The whole assembly was completed with advanced post-processing, joining, caulking and painting processes, carried out by our specialised technical team, achieving a homogeneous and high quality final finish, with no visible joints between pieces.

3D printing technologies applied in the project

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) on Nylon PA12, for internal and structural parts with high mechanical and dimensional requirements.
Industrial FDM in glass fibre reinforced ABS (ABS GF), for the production of the large-format outer casing.
Advanced post-processing, including assembly, surface finishing and professional painting for large parts.

This technological combination made it possible to maximise the efficiency of the project, prioritising speed, quality and cost control.

The result: a medical prototype validated in a real hospital environment.

The end result was a fully functional set of components, ready for integration into a national reference medical device. The prototype has been installed in the La Fe Hospital in Valencia, as part of a strategic project driven by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, becoming the first high-resolution PET brain scanner built in Spain.

This technological milestone reinforces the commitment to public-private collaboration and demonstrates how industrial innovation, supported by advanced additive manufacturing, can have a direct impact on improving diagnosis and healthcare.

For Additium 3D, this success story confirms that industrial 3D printing can tackle complex, critical and high-impact projects, offering companies such as SEDECAL a real, flexible and efficient alternative to traditional manufacturing methods.