Digital printing in healthcare is a literal game changer in manufacturing. Scalable for any volume, there is no upfront cost for plate production and setup, so it’s highly cost-efficient. You can print fine details with exceptional quality and durability. You can personalize on an item-by-item basis using variable data printing (VDP) to enhance traceability and security in a single print run.
And that’s just the start. Digital printing in healthcare has come a long way, so let’s take a look at what you can do now, and what’s next.
Advancements in Digital Printing Technology
Today’s technology enables crystal-clear digital printing with enhanced image resolution. This process provides precise, high-resolution design with accurate color reproduction.
Highly adaptable, you can digitally print what you need on various substrates to fit your devices that will remain legible and resist fading — even in harsh conditions like heat, cold, and moisture.
Digital Printing in Medical Applications
Digital printing in healthcare is increasingly being used for:
- Medical Device Labeling: You get clear labels on medical devices that provide the required information to enhance safety and provide traceability through serialization.
- Wearable Medical Devices: Digital printing is flexible to fit customized designs for wearables and smart patches.
- Patient-Specific Products: You can tailor printing solutions for patient-specific products, such as prosthetics, orthotics, or implants.
Regulatory Compliance and Digital Printing
Regulatory compliant printing is critical for medical devices. Digital printing solutions meet the most rigorous healthcare regulations to aid in patient safety and ensure traceability. Traceability enables healthcare providers to track medical devices and parts, help prevent counterfeits, and aid notification in case of product recalls or safety concerns.
Tapecon’s digital printing process enables the production of Unique Device Identification (UDI) for each device and complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Tapecon is also ISO 13485 certified and registered with the FDA.
Future Trends in Digital Printing for Healthcare
Advancements in printing solutions and materials science have created innovative solutions like flexible hybrid electronics (FHE). You can combine flexible substrates and functional ink printing with traditional components. This technology is already here and being used by manufacturers to produce highly targeted and miniaturized sensors to capture real-time data.
Future advances in automation will streamline the printing process, enabling even more affordable options at scale.
Sustainability and Efficiency
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the manufacturing sector is responsible for about 12% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. As manufacturers work to meet sustainability goals, digital printing is at the forefront of sustainability, reducing waste and energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Tapecon embraces green and lean production strategies that reduce energy use, reduce waste and hazardous liquids, and optimize inventory management.
Let's Make Something Great
Adopting digital printing in healthcare provides a significant advantage for manufacturers: flexible volume requirement, high-volume printing with exceptional durability, excellent adhesion and legibility, and personalized SKUs across a wide variety of substrates.
Tapecon is an industry leader in innovative, regulatory-compliant digital printing solutions that meet the evolving needs of medical manufacturing. Contact Tapecon today to explore how our digital printing capabilities can enhance your products and compliance.
