How Physically Disabled Individuals Benefit from Additive Manufacturing

Anyone who’s struggled with a physical disability knows how hard these limitations can be to manage. While it may not be able to fix everything, advances in technology are making life easier for some with physical disabilities. 3D printing (or additive manufacturing) is the process of layering a substance to form a part of device. There are great advances in using this technology for the physically disabled.

The world of prosthetics is one area benefitting from 3D printing. The technology allows for “cheaper and more personalized devices on demand, all in a shorter time,” according to 3Dnatives.com. A group called e-NABLE is even offering free prosthetic hands for those in need, especially children. Prosthetic eyes are also successfully created using the technology. 

Many people (and sometimes animals) with disabilities require some kind of mobility aid. Just like with any device that would essentially be your vehicle or legs, they need to be tailored to their user in order to be the most effective. A company from Germany called Paravan GmbH is focused on adapting these vehicles to meet their clients’ needs. They rely on 3D scanning to do things like determine the perfect seating position for the user to manage the different controls. 

Parents of children with disabilities are also seeing the advantages of 3D printing. Five-year-old Emma Lavelle who has arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC) (which is a rare condition where the child’s legs are bent toward their heads and his or her shoulders turn inward along with stiff joints and weak muscles), used a lightweight plastic vest called WREX. It straps into Emma’s wheelchair, or can be used freely, and allows her to use her arms. Emma calls this device her “magic arms.” 

For the hearing impaired, 3D printing is making advancements in hearing aids. When fitting a hearing aid for a user, it’s imperative there is an exact fit to the ear canal, and that’s where 3D printing is useful. A mold is made of the user’s ear, then simply digitized and sent to the printer. 

From these examples, it’s easy to see how 3D printing is improving the quality of life for people and animals with disabilities. The technology allows for not only innovative devices but more lightweight pieces that, in the case of a small child like Emma or with a tiny animal, are invaluable for moving around easily. 

Not only are the devices life-changing, but the cost savings through using additive manufacturing is a major advantage to people who already face enormous medical costs. Tammy Murner, director of innovation and assistive technology at Black Hills Works explains that when products have to be specially designed, “the price goes up tenfold, and a lot of our folks are living on a very limited income. So if we can give them a device that works and costs less than half of what we could buy it for, that’s a win-win.” (The Additive Report)

We’ll also continue to see the use of 3D printing in the manufacturing of medical devices. The design flexibility, 3D mapping and prototyping, decentralized production, optimized engineering, and flexibility in the speed and volume produced make additive manufacturing an appealing option. If you’re interested in this technology and how it can help you or a loved one with a disability, Tronix3D is a leader in the field.

With clients in the robotics, energy, medical, and defense industries, Tronix3D has been involved with various innovative projects and technologies.  Tronix3D is a contract-based additive manufacturing company operating in the Pittsburgh area that specializes in producing low-volume prototype parts as well as high-quality manufactured designs in as little as 24 hours. We assist customers with any step of the design process from the idea’s conception to its final production, offering 3D printing consulting and design services.  To learn more about Tronix3D or receive an instant quote on your custom project, visit our site at www.tronix3d.com.

References:

  • https://www.3dnatives.com/en/top-12-3d-printing-applications-for-disability-031220194/

  • https://www.fireflyfriends.com/wp/8-ways-the-3d-printing-revolution-will-help-children-with-disabilities/

  • https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/3d-printing-bringing-magic-to-the-lives-of-disabled-children/

  • https://themachinebros.com/adaptive-aids-with-3d-printing/

  • https://www.thefabricator.com/additivereport/article/additive/3d-printed-devices-help-the-disabled-perform-hard-to-perform-tasks

  • https://www.starrapid.com/blog/the-5-major-benefits-of-3d-printing-for-medical-devices/

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