定制是3D打印技术的主要优点之一，因为它在不产生额外成本的情况下为过程增加了重要价值。对于许多定制的消费品而言，这是一个有吸引力的主张，但在医疗行业中产生巨大不同的另一个领域。
A new application developed at Glasgow Caledonian University is a great example of just this — a team there are using a range of technologies, including 3D printing, to overcome patient’s orthopaedic problems — specifically in the foot and ankle. The team uses motion sensor cameras to determine exact foot measurements from which they produce insoles and supports to meet the specific patient’s needs.
The data from the motion sensor camera is used to create a 3D image, which is translated into a physical product using 3D printers. Traditionally, making foot and ankle supports is a long and laborious process — a model of the foot is made, often from plaster and then plastic is moulded around it by hand — which can take up to six weeks. Using a 3D printer this process is cut down to few hours and can be offered as a same day service for people visiting the doctor.
格拉斯哥喀里多尼亚大学教授吉姆·伍德本（Jim Woodburn）说：“我们希望专门为患者自己的障碍和步行困难而制造这些产品。”“该项目最令人兴奋的部分是将计算机设计转移到3D打印机。我们拥有的是完全控制制造过程。”
在更广泛的背景下，3D打印技术导致创建了高度准确的模型，这些模型用于帮助科学家和医生研究人体。与CT扫描一起使用类似的建模来复制实际患者的结构，并用作计划精致的骨科操作或评估患者状况的模型。
这个新过程（针对有障碍或步行困难的人）有可能使仅欧洲约2亿顿患者救济。欧盟为该项目提供了300万英镑的赠款，以持续研究。
