MedTech3D and Axial3D, two medical technology companies with a focus on 3D printing, have announced a partnership through which they will seek to bring affordable medical imaging and 3D printing to clinicians in South Africa.

Hospitals and medical professionals around the world are realizing the benefits of 3D printing more and more. One of the main applications impacted by the technology is surgical planning, as medical images like CTs or MRIs can be converted into 3D models and printed as patient-specific anatomical models. By using a patient-specific model to plan a surgical procedure, surgeons are often able to perform an operation more efficiently, reducing patient risk.

“3D printing is set to be the next revolution in healthcare,” said Dipika Maharaj, MD, Founder and Managing Director at South Africa-based MedTech3D. “MedTech3D aims to ensure that the South African healthcare system is a part of this transformation in medicine, by providing premium medical 3D printing at affordable rates and within our local hospitals. We’re delighted that Axial3D is assisting us to do this by bringing its internationally acclaimed segmentation software to South Africa.”

Based in the UK, Axial3D offers clinicians patient-specific 3D printed anatomical models derived from medical images. The company’s unique platform allows for these models to be transformed and produced at rapid rates (within 24-48 hours), enabling hospitals to use the patient-specific prints for even last minute surgical procedures.

MedTech3D, for its part, strives to bring game-changing technologies and resources to the South African healthcare system. Specifically, its mission is to provide local hospitals and medical institutes with locally-printed patient-specific anatomical models.

Roger Johnston, CEO of Axial3D, said of the MedTech3D collaboration: “I am delighted to announce our latest partnership, which is our first on the African continent, with MedTech3D in South Africa. Dipika and her team have an incredible vision of introducing affordable, high-quality pre-operative planning offerings to South African healthcare. We are proud that Dipika has selected Axial3D as her partner. We are excited to begin the journey to change the lives of patients in South Africa.”

Axial3D has taken some big strides over the past year. In July, the company raised $3 million to support its international expansion into the United States. In August, the company achieved a milestone in its home country by opening an in-house 3D printing lab at Newcastle Hospitals.