Layer By Layer: 3D Screen Printing And The Future Of Drug Development

3D screen printing is an innovative additive manufacturing technique poised to revolutionize drug production. As its name implies, the process combines 3D printing with screen printing, adding material layer by layer to build a three-dimensional construct of API and additives. This technology enables customized dosage forms and targeted drug release, benefits that not only improve API bioavailability and flexibility, but also unlock new possibilities for personalized medicine.

3D screen printing can produce tablets across a range of release profiles, from conventional immediate release tablets to multi-compartment drug delivery systems that mix different release profiles. By layering different paste formulations, the technology can easily achieve sequential drug release within a tablet. Additionally, a multi-compartment tablet utilizing microtablets ranging from 200 μm to 750 μm can offer extremely precise dosing volumes and locations.