Where Do I Start With 3D Printing for O & P — Podcast Deep Dive

On November 26, 2025, the The Prosthetics and Orthotics Podcast released a new episode titled “Where Do I Start With 3D Printing for O & P with Joris and Brent.”

Hosted by Brent Wright and Joris Peels, the show aims to explore how 3D printing and additive manufacturing are shaping the future of prosthetics and orthotics (O&P) — a field undergoing profound transformation thanks to digital innovation.

In this episode, Brent and Joris aim to help listeners who are curious but uncertain about how to begin integrating 3D printing into O&P workflows — particularly clinics or small practices that want to start smart, minimize risk, and scale up over time.

Why This Episode Matters

• Bridging vision and execution — While much of the 3D printing conversation focuses on flashy machines or futuristic ideas, this episode tries to bring listeners back to reality: How do you practically start a 3D-printing initiative in an O&P context — without risking patient care or overcommitting resources? 

• Acknowledging constraints of small practices — Not everyone has access to expensive printers, large budget, or dedicated engineering teams. The hosts build a roadmap that begins with modest investments, gradually building toward more complex workflows.

• Connecting 3D-printing to real-world outcomes — From check sockets to scan-to-print workflows, the discussion centers on bridging tech potential with everyday clinical needs. This grounds 3D printing in patient care, not just industry hype.

Key Themes & Takeaways

Start Lean — Don’t Jump In Blind

• The hosts recommend starting with a simple, lower-cost 3D printer, rather than diving straight into high-end, expensive industrial machines. This reduces financial risk and gives you room to learn.

• They suggest focusing first on clinic tools or simple parts — for example, jigs, fixtures, or check sockets — rather than immediately trying to manufacture final-use prostheses.

• The idea: treat 3D printing as a gradual process. Print, iterate, learn, refine — before scaling up to more complex or critical components. 

Understand the Workflow: Scanner → Software → Printer

• The episode emphasizes that printing is only one step. Before that comes scanning (or 3D scanning) and CAD/design work — often where clinics underestimate complexity. 

• For small practices, investing early in high-end scanners may not be necessary. Instead, start with more accessible tools, while focusing on mastering the overall digital workflow. 

Build a Tiered Roadmap for Adoption

The hosts outline a three-tier roadmap for integrating 3D printing in O&P — from humble beginnings to more advanced setups:

1. Entry level — Starter printer + basic parts/tools

2. Intermediate — outsource complex parts, use 3D printing where it makes sense (e.g. check sockets, casting aids)

3. Advanced — scale up, integrate scanning, CAD, in-house printing of final devices, optimized workflows

This roadmap helps clinics avoid “all-in” mistakes and instead grow sustainably.

3D Printing Is Evolving — The Gap Is Shrinking

• The episode touches on how the broader additive-manufacturing industry is shifting. What once was the realm of expensive industrial machines is increasingly accessible via desktop printers, lower-cost LPBF (metal printing), and modular workflows. 

• This democratization means that even smaller clinics or shops can realistically consider adopting 3D printing — provided they take a deliberate, pragmatic approach.

Who This Episode Is For

• Clinics or small-practice O&P providers looking to adopt 3D printing without overpaying or committing too early.

• Technicians or clinicians curious about digital workflows but uncertain where to begin.

• Students or early-career professionals wanting a realistic roadmap for 3D printing in O&P — not just theory, but actual implementation advice.

• Industry watchers / 3D-printing enthusiasts interested in how additive manufacturing is impacting healthcare and assistive devices.

Final Thoughts

This episode does a strong job of demystifying 3D printing for orthotics and prosthetics — stripping away hype and focusing on how to start, learn, and scale. By advocating a methodical, layered approach, the hosts make the technology accessible to clinics of all sizes, not just large industrial labs.

If you’re involved in O&P — or simply interested in the intersection of digital manufacturing and healthcare — this episode is a valuable resource for understanding the practical path forward.

Listen to Podcast here https://www.buzzsprout.com/1995877/episodes/18259250