However, despite its enormous potential, the successful implementation of AM in healthcare remains complex, requiring not only technical expertise but also structured guidance for decision-makers. To address this challenge, a new comprehensive AM Readiness Tool has been proposed, aiming to accelerate adoption and standardize implementation across the industry.
The AM Readiness Tool is designed as a holistic framework that goes beyond traditional machine-focused evaluation. Instead, it provides a multidimensional approach to assessing and advancing readiness levels within the medical AM ecosystem. Building on the concept of AM-specific Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), the framework introduces an extended AM Readiness Level (AMRL) model (version 2.0), incorporating 15 distinct dimensions and 9 maturity levels. These dimensions enable stakeholders to systematically evaluate their position and identify pathways for improvement across three key sectors: hospitals, medical technology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry.
A central objective of the initiative is to make AM more accessible and actionable for practitioners and decision-makers. By facilitating access to knowledge, expertise, and collaboration networks, the tool bridges the gap between technological potential and real-world application. It is specifically designed to bring AM technologies closer to end users, including clinicians and industrial operators, while also supporting market entry for both European and international companies. In doing so, it aims to foster a more competitive and capable AM landscape.
One of the defining features of the AM Readiness Tool is its interactive and adaptive structure. Users can input their specific needs, product categories, and operational environments into a structured interface, generating tailored insights into their readiness status. At the same time, the system incorporates a feedback loop: data and experiences from real-world implementations are continuously collected and fed back into the framework. This dynamic approach ensures that the model evolves based on practical insights, making it increasingly robust and relevant over time.
In addition to its analytical capabilities, the framework is designed to strengthen collaboration within the AM community. It enables the targeted connection of experts—such as specialists from the mga network—with projects and challenges where their expertise is most needed. Furthermore, the initiative plans to produce regular outputs, including annual market reports and peer-reviewed publications, thereby contributing to the broader body of knowledge in medical additive manufacturing.
Strategically, the AM Readiness Tool represents an effort to establish a standardized and widely accepted framework for evaluating and guiding AM implementation in healthcare. By moving beyond purely technical parameters, it provides a decision-making support system that addresses organizational, regulatory, and operational factors. This broader perspective is crucial for unlocking the full potential of additive manufacturing and ensuring its sustainable integration into clinical and industrial practice.
The initiative, which originated within the MGA strategic committee, is currently in an open development phase and actively seeks contributions from experts across disciplines. WE NEED YOU to collaborate in refining the framework, reviewing its dimensions, and contributing practical insights.
Please reach out to Naomi Nathan or Alex X. to get involved!