Innovation at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid: A success story in 3D printing
In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, the Advanced Technology Unit in Design and 3D Printing (UTADI 3D) at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid stands out as a pioneering department in integrating innovations to improve health and patient treatments. This unit has made significant advances in 3D printing of “Mold and guide elements for brachytherapy,” a highly effective treatment against cancer.
These achievements have not only improved the accuracy of treatments but also significantly reduced production times and costs.
The challenge of safety in 3D printing processes
However, the implementation of this innovative technology is not without challenges. During the 3D printing process, safety issues were identified related to the reduction of oxygen concentration in the work area. The decrease in oxygen levels can be caused by the accumulation of gases derived from the chemical transformation processes of the materials used (resins and thermoplastic filaments) in the printing process. These gases can pose health risks to workers, such as dizziness, headaches, and in extreme cases, suffocation, highlighting the need to adopt an effective solution to ensure a safe working environment.
Torsa’s solution: the Borea System for real-time monitoring
To address this challenge, the hospital implemented Torsa’s Borea System. This real-time monitoring IoT sensor network allows continuous supervision of oxygen levels, temperature and relative humidity in the 3D printing area. Borea’s technology not only provides immediate alerts for any dangerous decrease in oxygen concentration but also offers historical analysis of the levels, helping to identify patterns and prevent future incidents.
Results: improved safety and efficiency at Hospital 12 de Octubre
Since the implementation of the Borea System, Hospital 12 de Octubre has seen a significant improvement in the safety and efficiency of its 3D Printing Unit. Workers now operate in a safer environment, with the peace of mind that any change in environmental conditions will be detected and addressed immediately. Additionally, the historical data analysis allows for better planning and optimization of processes.
The future of safe 3D printing with advanced monitoring systems
The experience of Hospital 12 de Octubre demonstrates the potential of sensor networks and industrial IoT in monitoring complex processes. The ability to monitor in real time and analyze historical data opens new possibilities for improving safety and efficiency in 3D printing and other industrial processes. The success of the Borea System in this project marks a milestone in the integration of advanced technology for enhancing medical treatments and protecting personnel.
Discover how advanced technology can transform safety and efficiency in industrial processes. Learn more about the Borea System and its positive impact on 3D printing and other sectors. Join us at the forefront of technological innovation to improve health and safety in the workplace.
Hospital 12 de Octubre Statement:
The additive manufacturing activity in the hospital environment must be a safe process, just as in the industrial sector.
The UTADI 3D of our hospital has been implemented from the perspective of professional safety, meeting the technical requirements for air conditioning, electrical safety, and exposure to chemical risks, as defined for the manufacturing room.
Since the manufacturing process of different technologies (FDM, SLA) produces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFPs), it is advisable to have an O2 sensor capable of detecting the oxygen concentration in the manufacturing room.
Recently, TORSA GLOBAL installed a monitoring unit with temperature and relative humidity recording, which also includes an O2 sensor. This monitoring will allow us to record these three parameters, two of which are required for the implementation of the quality management system under the UNE EN-ISO 13485:2018 standard. This monitoring unit has been exclusively designed for the UTADI3D and is named 12O.
We are proud to be the first 3D Printing unit in a Spanish hospital to have this technology.
