MANUFACTURING
Current Development and Future of Pharmaceutical 3D Printing
Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a rapidly developing technology being explored in various sectors in pharmaceutical applications. The first 3D printed tablet was approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015, which has created great interest in pharmaceutical 3D printing. This article exhibits the current 3D printing methods, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this technology in new drug development and pharmacy practice. The challenge and future direction of applying this technology has also been discussed. Yunong Yuan Doctorate student, Sydney Pharmacy School Lifeng Kang School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
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he world’s first 3D printer was invented in the 1980s by using the method of stereolithography (SLA). After that, different types of 3D printers were gradually coming on the scene. The printing processes can be categorised into seven groups, according to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)/ American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 52900:2015 standard classify
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P H A RM A F O C U S A S I A
ISSUE 41 - 2020
