Singapore, Nov. 7 -- Complicated operations like skull reconstruction and hip replacement could receive a fillip through a new tie-up between NUS Centre for Additive Manufacturing (AM.NUS) and TUV SUD to introduce 3D-printed implants in humans.

The human body has proven to be one of the toughest frontiers for this technology due to health and safety issues. 3D printing centres first need to obtain the ISO 13485 certification, a tough global standard required before they can make implants for humans using additive manufacturing.

AM.NUS wants to obtain this certification so its 3D-printed metal implants can be used in clinical trials and eventually in hospitals. In achieving this aim, it has got the aid of TUV SUD, a German safety and qua...