3D prosthetics

A prosthesis has to fit. Not just a little. Exactly. After all, a patient feels it immediately if the volume is wrong, a pressure point is wrong or a socket does not fit exactly to a stump. Shapemakers therefore prints parts and complete 3D prostheses based on your digital CAD design. Quickly and to the millimetre. What you design is what the patient gets. 

What is a 3D prosthesis? 

A 3D prosthesis is an orthopaedic device (or part thereof) that is fully digitally designed and then produced via 3D printing or machine milling. You can think of connection pieces, upholstery and full prosthetic sockets. 

The basis is always a CAD model derived from a 3D scan of the body part. This is because that model contains everything the production needs: the geometry, wall thickness and pressure distribution. At Shapemakers, we convert the model into a 3D printed prosthesis or other orthopaedic products. 

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Scan-to-print vs. traditional way of working 

Traditionally, prosthetics making is done manually. You take a plaster cast of the stump, you build and correct the model, and then it's thermoplastics or lamination. Each step requires different experience or skill, so the final product may differ from the design. 

With digital production via milling machines and 3D printers, those steps are largely eliminated. The model is created based on realistic 3D scan and the machine then produces the model exactly as it is. Without interpretations, without deviations. 

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Full control over fit and connection 

The fit of 3D orthoses and prosthetics has to be perfect. And that is about millimetres. A prosthetic socket that is a millimetre too wide feels different after just half an hour of walking. So in a digital design, you record that geometry down to the millimetre. And production follows. 

Pressure distribution, contact points and socket volume are all captured by orthopaedic software in the model and can be checked before production. And in case of replacement or reproduction, the design file is already ready. 

Benefits of 3D-printed prosthetics in practice 

Shorter lead times are an advantage. So is less post-processing. But the most valuable thing about 3D printed prosthesis is the predictability. You know before delivery what the product looks like and how it will function. That gives certainty. For you and for the patient. 

  • Shorter lead time from design to delivery 
  • Less rework through more precise production 
  • Constant quality in every production 
  • Lighter and more complex structures possible via 3D printing 
  • Identical reproducibility when replacing or fitting
     
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This is how we go from digital design to 3D printed prosthesis 

You provide the digital CAD file. Depending on the product and application, Shapemakers then produces that file via 3D printing or milling. No interpretation, no adjustments and no surprises afterwards. Here's how it works: 

  1. Delivery of the digital CAD file 
  2. Technical control for manufacturability and strength 
  3. Production via 3D printing or milling 
  4. Quality control on sizing and finishing 
  5. Delivery: ready to use or further finishing 

So you don't need machinery or specialist manufacturing knowledge. Shapemakers handles production as an extension of your workshop and you keep full control over the design and treatment strategy. Together, we ensure a lightweight 3D prosthesis with maximum wearing comfort. 

Also have your 3D prosthetics produced by Shapemakers 

Submit your CAD design through our portal and have 3D prosthetics made by Shapemakers. We guarantee reliable production that matches your working method. Always with consistent output, fast delivery times and all the support you need. 

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What our customers have to say

Guido Shoes

(5)

"Since working with Shapemakers and scanning body parts instead of using plaster, our process has become on average a week faster. The... fit is noticeably better and more accurate, and in case of questions, Shapemakers is always readily available and willing to help. "

OIM Orthopaedics

(5)

"3D scanning allows us at OIM Orthopaedics to work faster, more efficiently and location-independently. With Shapemakers as a permanent partner in the... scanning and milling of orthopaedic instruments, we are taking a big step forward in quality and innovation. "

B&C Custom Bracing

(5)

"With B&C Custom Bracing's 3D printed knee brace, we are demonstrating how digital workflows make customisation scalable. Thanks to collaboration with... Shapemakers and Shapeshift 3D, we process a knee scan into a perfectly fitting design within minutes, without compromising on comfort, protection and freedom of movement. " "

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Would you like to know more about our options in podiatry? Then feel free to contact us.

Already a customer, and already have an account? Then you can access our customer-friendly order portal. Here you can order yourself and keep an eye on the order status.