The Most Common 3D Printed Prosthetics
3D prosthetics are designed to conform to whoever will be using them. This field is quickly growing, but after years of practice existing, experts are coming to a consensus on what works best. Depending on what you need, you will find yourself with different options. For starters, you will have options for material and design:
- Materials: There are several common 3D printing materials that can be used for a prosthetic, but some have more benefits than others. Thermoplastics such as ABS, PLA, and nylon are the most common. For upper or lower limbs, nylon is considered the sturdiest.
- Design: 3D printed prosthetics are designed by experts around the world. Groups such as e-NABLE even pool together resources from designers. Design choice depends on what you are working with, and are typically based on body functioning.
Your options do not end there. Oftentimes people have a role to play in the design of their own prosthetic device. Most who use services such as e-NABLE will find themselves with the tools needed to create their 3D print based on previous designs and community input.
How Common are Bionic Prosthetics?
Bionic prostheses are not as common as alternative designs due to their cost, but the 3D printing community has begun to change this in recent years. Myoelectric prosthetics can be designed with 3D printing technology, though they have a greater cost than standard 3D prints.
Since myoelectric technology can be 3D printed, it has become worth it for some to use it for themselves, but it is not as widely spread as other options. Communities and businesses have rallied around the idea of 3D printed bionics, however, and while the cost can be a lot, it is nothing compared to non-3D printed electrical prosthetics.
Options like Open Bionics’ Hero Arm can be a couple of thousand dollars, but as a 3D printed prosthetic, this is much cheaper than alternative bionic options. Soon enough, myoelectric prosthetics may become more widespread than standard prosthetic devices.
Choosing Your Materials
Your material options usually depend on cost, but what also matters is which part of your body you need a prosthetic for. 3D printing has eliminated much of the cost of prosthetics, so your options are greater. Here you can find a rundown of the most common prosthetic material:
- Nylon: Nylon is a durable material that is mostly used in the design of lower limb prosthetics, though it is not often available for DIY printing. It is possible to use this material for upper limb prosthetics as well, and it is suggested for a more durable make. This is a perfect material for sport-based prosthetic designs.
- ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or ABS is a cheap yet effective thermoplastic that has been used for 3D printing since the beginning. Unlike PLA, ABS is a more flexible material that is also more resistant to heat. This makes ABS a more comfortable option for most.
Materials for a 3D printed prosthetic are typically cheap, and both ABS and nylon are fine options. While nylon would be most people’s first choice, assembly of ABS material kits can be simpler and a fine option for those who need them.
3D Printed or Conventional Prosthetics
With 3D printing still new on a mass scale, some are wary about using this service for prosthetics. There are some organizations that are attempting to get rid of the guesswork that comes with 3D printing, but these groups are still young. It is worth noting how they differ and how one may be better than the other:
- 3D Printing: Common 3D printing options involve using online groups to find a design. This process has become quick, but it is not without its faults. 3D printing is cheaper, but home-available plastics are not the strongest. Successful prints are usually from commercial businesses that have access to other materials.
- Conventional: A benefit to conventional prosthetics is that experts are typically handling them, while 3D print designs are not vetted by regulators. These are sturdy yet expensive prosthetics that cannot be afforded by everyone. However, they are effective.
Your choices are limited with 3D printing, but you do have some options. 3D printing is an emerging field that can spell the end of over-expensive protheses, but it also requires thorough research. Some may just want access to professionals. Your choice of whether to adopt 3D printing may come down to cost at the end of the day.
3D Printed Upper Limb Prosthetics
Designs can vary wildly in the prosthetics community, but for upper limbs, there is some more organization. Large groups like e-NABLE have standard, common designs that make it easy to navigate and decide on. Some of the most common designs are listed below:
- Wrist-Operated: Wrist-operated prosthetics are just as the name states. They involve a functional wrist and at least enough palm to work the device. These designs allow for hand and arm prosthetics that can grip things and move based on physical commands.
- Elbow-Operated: When a functional wrist and palm are not available, there are other options. An elbow-operated device involves elbow movements along with other small attachments to operate gripping and releasing. This simple device can be 3D printed for the same cost as wrist-operated prosthetics.
Of course, there are far more options than just wrist and elbow devices. For those with any kind of limb difference, 3D prosthetic designs exist or can be made. These designs, involving the movement of muscles, are simply the most common for hand prosthetics, but plenty more are out there.
3D Printed Lower Limb Prosthetics
Lower limb prosthetics such as legs and feet are a more involved process in the 3D printing community, but the most common option for a lower limb is to be made out of nylon. Designs vary, but typically nylon or more exotic materials are used as a base. There is still a long way to go with 3D printing lower limb prosthetics.
This does not mean there has not been some trial and error already. To 3D print, something like a prosthetic leg takes a lot of scanning and measurements, but it is still faster than conventional options. Certain designs exist for home-printing, though professional assistance is suggested.
Many 3D printed legs and feet are prototypes, and as the industry grows, they will become more common. 3D scanning is being used by many groups to better fit people with their prosthetics. Lower limbs require strong material, but as 3D printers advance, home-printing may become a better option for those who need it.
Conclusion
3D printed prosthetics are the way of the future and are becoming more and more abundant. There are many design options for these prosthetics, but this new industry has more choice for those requiring upper limb prosthetics.
