HOW IS 3D PRINTING REVOLUTIONIZING THE MEDICAL WORLD?

3D printing is a place in many areas especially in the medical it allows to the creation of devices and tools more quickly and cost-effectively.

Already used to produce functional or design prototypes, 3D printing opens the field to many opportunities for health professionals, particularly in the manufacture of prostheses and orthoses for the hand, arm, leg, or foot.

Ideal for the unit manufacture of complex parts, additive manufacturing meets the specificities of the medical field which requires adaptation to the physical differences existing between each patient.

Printing unique, personalized pieces at a reasonable price, are also the challenge facing the HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers.

CUSTOMER EXAMPLE IN THE FIELD OF ORTHOSIS.

It is through a concrete case that you will discover how the use of the HP MJF 4200 3D printer allows a new approach for the manufacture of high-quality orthotics near me.

As a reminder, the orthosis is used to support, immobilize, or make more functional a limb, which is why we find so-called functional, relieving, prophylactic, support, control, correction, etc. orthotics. As for the prosthesis, it is an appliance or device designed to replace a limb, part of an amputated limb, or an organ seriously damaged or destroyed.

THE EVER CARE OP ORTHOPEDICS COMPANY

Founded in 2002, Ever Care OP orthopedics specializes in the manufacture of custom-made prostheses, orthotics, and large orthopedic devices. They also offer quite affordable prosthetics near me to get the job done.

WHY DOES THE EVER CARE OP CHOOSE 3D PRINTING TO MANUFACTURE ITS ORTHOTICS?

Ever Care OP is the first United States orthopedic company to equip itself with a professional 3D printer to produce its orthopedic devices.

The Multi Jet fusion 4200 3D printer, which offers the most advanced plastic printing technology on the market, makes it possible to avoid going through molds, counter-molds for manufacturing, to gain precision and time. implementation and cost optimization.

The investment in this technology is the result of an in-depth analysis of the needs, considering the performance criteria imposed by the orthopedic community.

GET OUT THE LIMITS OF TRADITIONAL MANUFACTURING METHODS!

Traditional production methods, unfortunately, induce uncertainty in material thickness and precision, due to the method of implementation by vacuum thermoforming (by bell and draping). The very nature of the materials increases these problems (shrinkage, density, finishing capacity).

In the end, these products are:

Too heavy for the muscle tone of the child aggravates the delay in the development of motor skills.

Not very precise, because once the products have been implemented, there is a lack of congruence between the helmet and the initial positive, due to the shrinkage of the material (foam and rigid shell).

Unsightly, the device is too coarse and with little possibility of finishing. Some parents, therefore, refuse to leave it on their child during the day and outdoors, as a result, the regulatory duration of treatment by a helmet is no longer respected.

Uncomfortable for the infant, the thermoformable foams are used to cause skin problems and accentuate the effects of perspiration: the child is in hyperthermia.

The Velcro strap closure system does not offer reliability over time. The child can pull them out on his own, and it is difficult for parents to judge the correct tension of the tightening. In addition, the effects of shearing and torsion of the helmet are not controlled once the helmet is closed.

CHOOSE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS!

Ever Care OP has turned to a new production technology to resolve these defects and thus offer a more comfortable and effective plagiocephaly correction helmet.

PLAGIOCEPHALY HELMET

The 3D-printed plagiocephaly helmet adapts perfectly to the physiognomy of the child, making it the most innovative cranial orthosis solution on the market. In addition to being efficient and secure, the helmet is aesthetic.

3D printing gives the possibility of controlling the thicknesses during the design and allows the Ever Care OP helmet to be the lightest biocompatible PA12 plagiocephaly helmet on the market. Thus, the helmet does not handicap the child in his mobility and therefore allows normal psychomotor development.

The HP jet fusion technology is the fastest and most precise on the market, delivery times are reduced while respecting the geometry and dimensions of the Ever Care OP helmet.

3D printing pushing the limits of creativity has allowed the Ever Care OP helmet to have a very refined design. In addition, the technology makes it possible to personalize the helmet to your liking: choice of the color of the shell and of the antiperspirant Alcantara fabric which will serve as padding ensuring good comfort and ventilation for the child’s head.

As the complex geometries can be easily integrated into the design of the device, a patented closure system will ensure the safety of the child. Indeed, this closure system integrated into the shell of the helmet prevents any excess pressure on the skull while leaving it the possibility of growing naturally.

In addition, this technology considerably reduces the loss of raw materials and thus allows Ever Care OP Orthopedics to take a big step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly production.

UPPER LIMB ORTHOTICS

Orthoses are made specifically according to the desired effect (correction, maintenance of the patient’s needs, etc.) by seeking maximum functionality for minimum bulk.

There are 2 types of Upper Limb orthoses:

Posture orthoses: Essentially nocturnal, they are used to maintain a corrected position to prevent the aggravation of orthopedic disorders. They can be applied postoperatively or as part of a short- or medium-term treatment.

Functional orthoses: Their objective, which varies according to each pathology, is to replace deficient functions. They can be adapted to very specific activities (driving, manual work, wheelchair propulsion, etc.)

POSTURE ORTHOSES

Posture orthoses can be used in addition to walking equipment to obtain or maintain again in the range of motion.

These personalized orthoses exist in many versions to obtain an immediate or progressive correction according to the pathologies to be treated. They can be articulated or not, all combinations being possible due to the large choice of joints and materials.

They are intended to maintain or reduce malformations and stiffness by avoiding nocturnal malpositions thanks to controlled maintenance of the knee, ankle, and foot.

They are recommended in the case of pathologies mainly of neurological or congenital origin leading to orthopedic and static disorders.

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