Purpose AM Systems Develops 3D Printing Systems for Medical Applications – Interview with Kristers Moisejs

Based in Latvia, Purpose AM Systems was founded in 2018 by engineers from 3D printer manufacturer Mass Portal. As a research and product development company, it specialises in additive manufacturing solutions for the industrial and professional sectors. Currently, the company is focused on advancing cutting-edge medical devices using 3D printing technology. In an interview with 3Druck.com, CEO Kristers Moisejs comments on the importance of additive manufacturing in the medical field.

The core team of Purpose AM Systems is responsible for developing filament dryers for many industry players as well as fully autonomous and customisable 24/7 automation systems for 3D printing, among other systems. At the moment, the company’s primary goal is to advance the development of innovative medical devices through the use of 3D printing technology, particularly in the field of personalised medicine.

The medical field is where their passion lies, and over the years the team has dedicated its efforts to creating innovative solutions. The company’s journey has led to the development of 3D printers specifically for stem cell printing, dental aligners, mouth guards, casts and various other supportive devices.

Interview with Kristers Moisejs

In an interview with 3Druck.com, CEO Kristers Moisejs explains the crucial importance of additive manufacturing in healthcare and shares his insights on the developments and innovations he considers especially vital for the industry sector.

In your opinion, what significance does additive manufacturing have for the medical sector?

Each person is inherently unique, with distinct anatomical characteristics, medical conditions, and treatment requirements. Additive manufacturing recognises and embraces this diversity by enabling the production of patient-specific medical devices, implants, prosthetics, and anatomical models. By harnessing advanced imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans, medical professionals can design customised solutions that perfectly align with the individual anatomy and preferences of each patient.

The significance of additive manufacturing in healthcare cannot be overstated. This technology empowers healthcare providers to deliver truly personalised care, optimising treatment outcomes and enhancing patient quality of life. Whether it’s a custom-fitted orthopaedic implant, a patient-specific surgical guide, or a personalised drug delivery system, additive manufacturing enables precision and customisation at a level previously unattainable.

Moreover, additive manufacturing facilitates rapid prototyping and iteration, accelerating the pace of medical device development and innovation. This agility allows researchers and clinicians to iterate designs quickly, test new concepts, and refine treatment approaches with unprecedented speed and efficiency. By breaking free from the constraints of traditional manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing fosters a culture of continuous innovation and improvement in healthcare.

However, realising the full potential of additive manufacturing in the medical sector requires a forward-thinking mindset that embraces innovation and challenges outdated paradigms. It’s essential not to confine this transformative technology within the constraints of old-school thinking but rather to explore its boundless possibilities and push the boundaries of what is achievable in healthcare.

Additive manufacturing has continuously developed in recent years. Which innovations or technological breakthroughs do you consider to be particularly important for the industry sector?

As the technology continues to evolve and mature, we can anticipate several profound changes that will reshape the way we produce goods and interact with our environment.

First and foremost, AM enables a paradigm shift towards decentralised production models. Traditionally, manufacturing has been centralised in large factories located in specific regions or countries, with goods then distributed globally. However, additive manufacturing disrupts this model by empowering local production through 3D printing. With AM, it becomes feasible to manufacture products on-site or near the point of consumption, reducing the need for extensive transportation networks and global supply chains. This shift towards localised production has far-reaching implications for industries ranging from consumer goods to healthcare.

One of the most significant impacts of AM is its ability to facilitate mass customisation and personalisation. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which are often geared towards mass production of standardised goods, additive manufacturing enables the production of highly customised and tailored products. By leveraging digital design tools and 3D printing technologies, manufacturers can create products that meet individual preferences and needs. This trend towards customisation has the potential to revolutionise industries such as fashion, consumer electronics, and healthcare, where personalised products are increasingly valued by consumers.

Moreover, AM offers significant opportunities for sustainability and environmental conservation. By optimising material usage and reducing waste, additive manufacturing can minimise the environmental footprint associated with traditional manufacturing processes. Additionally, localised production using 3D printing can reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation and logistics, leading to a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.

Furthermore, additive manufacturing fosters innovation and entrepreneurship by lowering barriers to entry and enabling rapid prototyping and iteration. With AM, entrepreneurs and small businesses can bring innovative ideas to market more quickly and affordably, driving economic growth and job creation.

Overall, the impact of additive manufacturing on various industries and society as a whole in the coming years is expected to be profound. From decentralised production and mass customisation to sustainability and innovation, AM promises to revolutionise the way we manufacture goods and interact with the world around us. As the technology continues to advance and adoption rates increase, we can expect additive manufacturing to play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of production and consumption.

First Corona and the now high inflation pose major challenges for the entire industry. In your opinion, how do the multiple crises affect the additive manufacturing industry?

The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation presents significant challenges for the additive manufacturing industry. However, these crises also drive innovation as companies seek more efficient production and delivery methods. Additive manufacturing thrives as an optimisation process, prompting companies within the sector to develop and test products in real-world scenarios. Despite the challenges, these crises fuel creativity and adaptation, pushing the industry to refine its processes and contribute to resilient solutions for the evolving global landscape.

What impact do you think additive manufacturing will have on various industries and possibly society as a whole in the coming years?

Additive manufacturing holds immense potential to revolutionise various industries and society as a whole in the coming years. As the technology matures and becomes more accessible, we can anticipate a shift towards decentralised production models. Localised manufacturing using 3D printing will likely become more prevalent, leading to reduced reliance on centralised manufacturing hubs and global supply chains. This shift could result in several significant impacts. Firstly, AM enables the production of highly customised and personalised products tailored to individual preferences and needs, potentially making mass customisation the norm. Secondly, by decentralising production, AM can enhance supply chain resilience, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or pandemics like COVID-19. Thirdly, AM technologies offer opportunities to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact through optimised material usage and on-demand manufacturing. Lastly, the accessibility of AM empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses to enter the market with innovative products and solutions, fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Here you can find further information on Purpose AM Systems.