[3D Printing Applications] A Medical Leap Forward! Using Ultimaker to – 3DMart_Website

[3D Printing Applications] A Medical Leap Forward! Using Ultimaker to Help Muscular Atrophy Patients?

How can Ultimaker help patients with muscular dystrophy? Check out the innovative work of Dr. Matthew and local student Krystyna! For the past few years, Dr. Matthew Dickinso of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the UK has participated in the MacRobert Medal for Junior Engineers , an award recognized as a leading creative problem solver in the field of engineering innovation. Through this award, Dr. Dickinso collaborated with a local student on research using the Ultimaker S5 , which was recognized at the United Nations COP26 conference.

Christina's cousin suffers from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and she came up with an SMA jacket based on the concept of an exoskeleton, which she named "exoskeleton." It provides support and extra strength to the patient's back muscles and spine. Her invention is one of three inventions that won gold medals, and there are only six such inventions in the entire UK!

Krystyna and exoskeleton model

The initial idea was to manufacture the exoskeleton using aluminum; however, the cost was prohibitively high when considering children's growth rate and the resulting need to modify the exoskeleton accordingly. Then Matthew realized: 3D printing could be used! By producing low-cost 3D-printed components, this technology offers a high level of customization and repeatability, making exoskeleton jackets a solution for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Matthew initially designed the first-generation exoskeleton using the Ultimaker 2+ printer and began prototyping with PLA. The results were promising and inspired further development, but the geometry that could be designed and printed was limited by the single printhead.

Ultimaker S5

To overcome this limitation, the Ultimaker S5 was modified to use a dual-nozzle design, which not only opened up new material combinations and possibilities but also helped to move the project forward. The second-generation exoskeleton used the S5 with a PLA core to test nylon and TPU shell materials in order to find the best-performing materials to produce human-fit components—soft on the outside and hardened on the inside for rigidity.

Using Ultimaker 's system, Matthew optimized the process with Ultimaker Digital Factory software, whose ability to remotely print and monitor progress allowed him to work from any location. The analytics built into Cura and Digital Factory software calculated material costs and printing time, enabling him to plan the exoskeleton's production schedule and explore ways to reduce costs in the next generation.

An exoskeleton is an externally worn assistive mechanical device used to aid movement or prevent injury.

Using Ultimaker S5 , Christina's idea to improve her cousin's life went from concept and design to prototyping and manufacturing in just six months. Matthew said he would not have been able to complete the project in such a short time without the reliability and repeatability of the combination of Ultimaker S5 and Ultimaker Digital Factory software. After the project was completed, he was selected as the first recipient of the 2021 MacRobert Junior Engineer Medal.

Auxiliary device prototype made using 3D printing components

Matthew also serves as chair of a subcommittee of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), advising on international exoskeleton standards to ensure the safe manufacture of exoskeletons for human use. His involvement with ASTM allows him to engage with international organizations such as Ford, Boeing, NASA, and the UK Space Agency. Working with ASTM, Matthew hopes to see a surge in exoskeleton accessibility in the near future, envisioning everyone using 3D printing to replace parts in their homes, reducing reliance on waiting for manufacturers to produce them.

Did you enjoy this sharing session? 3D printing can also shine in the medical field, unleashing students' ideas while achieving valuable innovations . Industrial technology is within reach, and there are various desktop and industrial models to choose from for your wide range of applications. 3D printing offers more than just 3D printing . Contact us now to learn more about application examples.

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If you are interested in creating your own skeleton, you can download all the components here .
References

[3D Printing Applications] A Medical Leap Forward! Using Ultimaker to Help with Muscular Atrophy?

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