A major shift in the healthcare landscape is the establishment of "3D Printing Labs" within hospitals, known as Point-of-Care (PoC) manufacturing. Instead of ordering a device from a centralized manufacturer, surgeons can print anatomical models or surgical tools directly in the hospital. This is particularly useful for "Pre-surgical Planning," where a surgeon prints a 1:1 replica of a patient's tumor or fractured bone to practice the surgery beforehand.

PoC manufacturing significantly reduces the duration of operations. By having a physical model to reference, surgeons can pre-bend plates and select the correct screw lengths before the patient is even on the table. For an analysis of the regulatory frameworks (such as ISO 13485) required for hospital-based 3D printing labs, the Digital 3D Printing Market industry reports offer a detailed perspective. These labs must adhere to strict quality control standards to ensure the accuracy of the printed models.

Beyond models, hospitals are increasingly printing personalized "Surgical Jigs." These are single-use tools that fit onto a patient's bone to guide a saw or drill. By bringing the manufacturing process closer to the patient, hospitals can provide truly "bespoke" care, particularly in complex pediatric or oncology cases where standard off-the-shelf implants are not an option.