Additive manufacturing (AM) offers shape freedom at low costs, which benefits medical and personalization (ME&P) product design. This study aims to develop a methodology for structuring the state-of-the-art design of ME&P products using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique. The goal is to leverage FFF’s cost-effectiveness to enhance the market appeal of ME&P products.
The methodology relies on case analysis and specialized literature in design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) with FFF for ME&P. After creating a DFAM database based on selected criteria, the authors analyzed cases and papers to establish codified design rules, which the authors then generalized and applied to a case study to demonstrate improvements.
DFAM for ME&P is less common than for industrial uses. It often focuses on radical innovations due to individualization and cost benefits. This methodology enhances ME&P products by leveraging FFF’s advantages in cost and time, improving market and consumer appeal.
Unlike existing DFAMs that are either specific to other AM processes or not tailored to ME&P, this methodology uses FFF for ME&P to provide a competitive, innovative and low-cost advantage, filling a gap in current methodologies.
