The global market for 3D-printed medical devices is on track to reach $4.02 billion this year, driven by a surge in demand for personalised, patient-specific solutions in hospitals and surgical centres worldwide.
That same momentum is building here in New Zealand too.
Providers like Peke Waihanga have nearly doubled their output of 3D-printed prosthetics over the past year, making devices more accessible to patients across the country.
A new clinical study from Waikato Hospital shows how in-house medical 3D printing has improved surgical efficiency, reduced outsourcing costs, and enhanced patient outcomes in complex oral and maxillofacial cases.
So where is it all heading? And what does it actually look like in practice?
In this article, we’ll unpack how 3D printing is being used in New Zealand’s medical sector today, what’s new in 2025, and where the biggest opportunities lie for clinicians, engineers, and innovators alike.
How Medical 3D Printing Is Being Used in NZ
Medical 3D printing isn’t just for prototypes or research labs anymore—it’s already woven into clinical care across parts of New Zealand. From hospital theatres to prosthetics labs, additive manufacturing is making treatments faster, more precise, and often more affordable.
One of the most advanced examples comes out of Waikato Hospital, where an in-house 3D printing setup has been supporting oral and maxillofacial surgeries since 2020. Over a four-year period, the team produced 474 anatomical biomodels, mostly for trauma cases involving the orbit and midface.
These were used for plate bending, surgical planning, and even patient communication. Instead of outsourcing biomodels (which could take weeks and cost thousands), the hospital now fabricates them internally in as little as two days, saving both time and an estimated $600,000 NZD in costs.
Outside the operating room, providers like Peke Waihanga have been scaling their use of 3D printing to make custom prosthetics more accessible nationwide. By digitising limb scans and printing lightweight, tailored parts, they’ve dramatically increased production volume while improving comfort and fit for patients.
On the dental front, professional groups such as the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) are helping upskill clinicians in 3D printing workflows. Their hands-on courses walk through everything from intraoral scanning to designing and printing splints, surgical guides, and restorations. It’s a sign that 3D printing is no longer a future concept, it’s becoming part of routine care.
What’s New in 2025: Trends Reshaping Medical 3D Printing
The pace of innovation in medical 3D printing is only accelerating; it’s not just about printing faster. It’s about printing smarter, with better materials, tighter regulations, and increasingly tailored use cases across medicine.
AI Is Supercharging Customisation
One of the biggest shifts this year is the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with 3D printing. Globally, AI-assisted design is improving success rates for vascular grafts, tissue models, and custom implants by helping clinicians fine-tune geometry based on individual patient data.
This added intelligence means fewer iterations, faster approvals, and better patient outcomes. Expect to see more AI-powered modelling integrated into New Zealand’s private sector and research environments.
New Standards Are Raising the Bar
With medical 3D printing becoming more mainstream, regulators are stepping in to set new benchmarks.
This year, updated frameworks like ISO 13485 (medical device quality management) and the newer ISO/ASTM 52927 (for additive manufacturing in healthcare) are becoming essential for providers.
These standards help ensure 3D-printed tools and implants meet clinical-grade safety and consistency requirements, particularly important for hospitals or labs offering in-house printing.
Global Growth Signals Local Opportunity
The 3D printed medical devices market is growing at a projected 23.7% CAGR, with revenues expected to hit $4.02 billion in 2025. While much of that is driven by North America and Europe, New Zealand stands to benefit from this momentum, especially as more clinics, surgical centres, and prosthetic providers look to localise production.
The shift to “just-in-time” medical manufacturing could reduce reliance on overseas labs and open the door for more collaborative innovation between clinicians and manufacturers here at home.
Why New Zealand Is Poised to Lead in Local Medical 3D Printing
In a country where lead times for medical parts often depend on international suppliers, the value of local production is hard to overstate. With in-house 3D printing, teams can respond to surgical needs within days, not weeks.
The recent study from Waikato Hospital quantified this advantage clearly: not only did in-house printing reduce turnaround times, but it also slashed costs by more than NZD$600,000 over four years.
As more hospitals and clinics face pressure to do more with less, this kind of self-reliant infrastructure could become a lifeline, especially in regional centres where access to advanced medical manufacturing is limited.
What’s Next: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
- Enhanced Patient Care: The ability to produce patient-specific implants and prosthetics can significantly improve patient outcomes, leading to more personalised and effective treatments.
- Local Manufacturing: Establishing in-house 3D printing capabilities within hospitals and clinics can reduce reliance on international suppliers, decrease lead times, and lower costs.
- Research and Development: New Zealand’s research institutions have the opportunity to lead in developing innovative 3D printing applications, such as bioprinting tissues and organs, which could revolutionise transplant medicine.
Challenges to Address
- Regulatory Framework: Ensuring that 3D-printed medical devices meet stringent safety and efficacy standards is crucial. Developing clear regulatory guidelines will be essential for widespread adoption.
- Investment and Funding: Significant investment is required to acquire advanced 3D printing equipment and to train personnel, which may be a barrier for some institutions.
- Public and Professional Awareness: Educating healthcare professionals and the public about the benefits and limitations of 3D printing in medicine is necessary to foster acceptance and integration into standard care practices.
Final Thoughts
Medical 3D printing in New Zealand is no longer a niche innovation; it’s a practical tool that’s already improving surgical workflows, lowering costs, and delivering better patient outcomes. From trauma wards at Waikato Hospital to national prosthetic services and dental labs, this technology is quietly changing how care gets delivered.
As global standards tighten and local capabilities grow, the opportunity for clinicians, engineers, and manufacturers to collaborate has never been stronger. Whether you’re working on patient-specific models, exploring new materials, or simply trying to reduce lead times, now is the time to get involved.
Ready to Go Further?
If you’re exploring 3D printing for medical or commercial use, we can help.
- Learn more about our Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) services
- See how we’ve helped in healthcare with this HP case study
- Or if you’re just getting started, feel free to request a free sample
- See what we can print