SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR 3D PRINTING PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS

Orthotics and Prosthetic (O&P) clinics serve as the primary facilities at which 1.9 million U.S. amputees receive care. The design and fabrication of custom prosthetic devices is an integral part of how these O&P facilities provide patient care. Current prosthetic fabrication methods are costly and labor intensive, relying heavily on traditional manual manufacturing techniques. 3D-scanning and printing of prosthetic devices is seen as a viable solution to solving O&P clinic inefficiencies. However, no viable additive manufacturing system exists to assist prosthetists in the fabrication of their prosthetic devices. This project focuses on investigating current scanning, software, and printing technologies to determine what existing components could be used in an effective prosthetic manufacturing system. Additionally, this project will focus on determining key requirements for the development of a software package specifically for the digital fabrication of prosthetics. To commercialize this system nationally, a central fabrication (C-Fab) facility will first be established for the purpose of modifying body scans and printing usable lower limb prosthetic check sockets. This technology system will not be limited to the fabrication of limb sockets solely; the proposed innovation is poised to scale and streamline the workflow for the fabrication of all types of prostheses.