# Additive Manufacturing for Surgical Planning and Education: A Review
## 1 Introduction  
Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is an advancing technology that is revolutionizing the manufacturing sector and is progressively unveiling its potential within healthcare [1]. The process involves the creation of three-dimensional (3D) objects through successive material deposition in 2D layers. Originating in 1986 through the pioneering work of [PERSON] [2], 3D printers were initially embraced by the automobile and aerospace industries for prototyping purposes before mass production. Presently, the 3D-printing market, inclusive of both printers and services, constitutes an industry valued at around 18 billion dollars [3]. Apart from prototyping, 3D printing has diversified its applications to produce finalized items such as jewelry, heat exchangers, and medical implants. Its advantages over traditional manufacturing encompass the ability to fabricate objects with intricate internal structures, heightened versatility, customization, and reduced spatial demands. More specifically, in the field of electronic equipment manufacturing, 3D printing has found its niche in the production of intricate components and circuitry. The ability to create complex shapes with precision has enabled faster prototyping and customization, reducing time to market for cutting-edge electronic devices. Recent reports from the literature such as the ones from [PERSON] et.al. [4, 5], indicate the use of 3D-printing applications in electromagnetic shielding. This flexibility has proven invaluable in the fast-paced world of consumer electronics, facilitating rapid design iterations and improvements. On theother hand, communication systems have also witnessed significant advancements through 3D printing. Antenna components, connectors, and other intricate parts can now be manufactured with greater precision at a reduced cost. The streamlined production process contributes to the development of more efficient and compact communication devices, fostering innovation in the telecommunications industry [6]. Aerospace represents another sector where 3D printing has left an indelible mark. The technology allows for the creation of lightweight and complex geometries, a crucial factor in designing components for aircraft and spacecraft. From turbine blades to structural components, 3D printing enhances the performance and fuel efficiency of aerospace systems while enabling a more sustainable approach to manufacturing [7]. When integrated with medical imaging, 3D printing can bring forth novel prospects in medical progress. Ongoing research in various medical domains actively explores clinical applications of this emerging technology. The capability to generate 3D models from patient data empowers physicians to craft bespoke prosthetics and implants, enhance visualization of intricate pathologies, and revolutionize medical training methodologies [8]. In recent decades, 3D printing has gained significant prominence, enabling the transformation of three-dimensional digital designs into tangible objects using 3D printers. Within the medical field, this technology finds applications in diverse areas such as orthopedics, spinal surgery, maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and cardiac surgery [9]. Typically, doctors rely on 2D X-ray or computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scans, requiring advanced visualization skills. While introducing renderings from various imaging techniques has enhanced the understanding of intricate pathologies, it lacks tactile feedback. Utilizing 3D printing, complex medical cases can be studied, surgical procedures practiced, and both students and patients can be effectively educated. Moreover, certain surgical procedures are intricate, demanding precise guidance to prevent harm to vital body parts or ensure desirable aesthetic results. Achieving this guidance often involves significant exposure to ionizing radiation and can considerably extend the duration of surgeries [10].