PolyUnity uses 3D printing technology that could revolutionize the medical industry

As part of the Forge Ahead campaign, we have been visiting manufacturing companies in the Atlantic Provinces, speaking to their teams and documenting their success stories. The videos we have produced can be found here.

One of the Newfoundland and Labrador companies we profiled was PolyUnity Tech Inc. in St. John’s.

PolyUnity began as a start-up working to connect healthcare workers worldwide with validated, 3D-printed medical simulations. Today, they are partnered with Eastern Health’s Living Labs innovation program to develop advancements in the healthcare and manufacturing fields locally and around the world. They are innovators, committed to healthcare, and driving manufacturing forward.

Stephen Ryan, MD had what he calls a science fiction dream to teleport medical equipment anywhere on earth. He said the hardest part was convincing people of what 3D printing technology could do. 

They started looking at low hanging fruit and how 3D technology could help with training medical students with real life simulations. Students can benefit by practicing common medical procedures such as a tracheotomy on a 3D printed item that is identical in look and feel to the human neck.

During the height of the pandemic PolyUnity was able to quickly shift gears to develop essential PPE for healthcare providers in clinical settings.

Right now, there is good buzz about what 3D printing can do and the potential of this technology.  Dr. Ryan believes 3D technology can potentially be used for prosthetics, customized medical devices and knee braces.

Not everyone needs large scale injection molding manufacturing, and some companies can benefit from more affordable and accessible options that 3D printing provides.