Preliminary evaluation of an additive manufacturing procedure for producing patient-specific upper-limb orthotic devices

Preliminary evaluation of an additive manufacturing procedure for producing patient-specific upper-limb orthotic devices

Francesca Sala, Mariangela Quarto, Gianluca D’Urso, Claudio Giardini

Abstract. In the orthopedic field, the need for patient-specific devices is crucial to ensure a rapid and successful care treatment. The traditional techniques for manufacturing customized orthopedic systems, specifically orthoses, are laborious and present multiple and time-consuming steps. The present research analyzed the possibility of optimizing the conventional process for manufacturing personalized orthoses by leveraging the principles of Reverse Engineering (RE) and Additive Manufacturing (AM). Digital orthotic models of different anatomical regions were obtained using 3D laser scanning and semi-automated CAD processing, whilst, the prototypes were produced using a Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer and polymeric filaments suitable for the intended use. Furthermore, topological optimization was employed to improve the shape and the weight of the different medical devices. Potential advantages and drawbacks of the discussed procedure were evaluated through a preliminary indication of production times and costs.

Keywords
Material Extrusion, Reverse Engineering, Health Care

Published online 9/5/2023, 8 pages
Copyright © 2023 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Francesca Sala, Mariangela Quarto, Gianluca D’Urso, Claudio Giardini, Preliminary evaluation of an additive manufacturing procedure for producing patient-specific upper-limb orthotic devices, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 35, pp 103-110, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644902714-13

The article was published as article 13 of the book Italian Manufacturing Association Conference

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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