Is 3D printing a body jacket a good idea?

With the help of reliable, professional partners, Shapemakers offers a new digital manufacturing technology to 3D-print individual body jackets. Besides replacing traditional, labour-intensive fabrication, this 3D-printing solution allows you to create different stiffness and ventilation holes in different places.

The technology enables 3D printing in a single workflow. This avoids time-consuming efforts such as manual editing, combining various materials and gluing. An optimised workflow gives the orthopaedic technologist more time for the customer. Moreover, this solution supports the transition to a more sustainable way of manufacturing without generating a significant amount of waste.

The steps

The production of a 3D printed body jacket consists of several steps: First, we need a 3D model to make the design file. First, the patient has to be scanned in with a 3D scanner. Second, the 3D model is loaded into a correction software where the orthopaedic specialist can adjust it to fit the patients and provide support in the right places. The model is enhanced by defining areas of different stiffness and, if desired, zones for ventilation. Finally, the corset can be printed out by ShapeMakers on a specially designed 3D printer.

Polypropylene (PP)

We use 3D printing filament made of PP (Polypropylene). Today, most personalised body jackets are made with PP, as it is an approved material for orthopaedic body jackets. Using our 3D printing process greatly reduces waste. Another advantage of using this 3D printing method (melting plastic) is that it guarantees a dust-free production environment.

Summary

Shapemakers offers a 3D printing solution for making personalised body jackets, eliminating time-consuming efforts and giving the orthopaedic technologist more time for the customer. The production process involves creating a 3D model via professional scanning, modifying it in a correction software, and printing it out with a 3D printer. Polypropylene (PP) is used as 3D printing filament because it is an approved material and waste is minimised. In addition, the dust-free production process also guarantees an environmentally friendly method of manufacturing.