[3D Printing Applications] A ray of hope for patients with spinal muscular atrophy - SLS 3D printing assistive device

[3D Printing Applications] A ray of hope for patients with spinal muscular atrophy - SLS 3D printing assistive device



The ultimate goal of medical research is to improve health, but there are still areas where effective methods are lacking in the fight against disease; one of these is SMA (spinal muscular atrophy), a genetic disorder that affects the nerve function that controls muscles. Even children with milder cases of SMA face a future of continued muscle atrophy, loss of mobility, and inability to move. Without specialized external support devices, affected children worldwide are unable to move.

Custom-designed exoskeleton arms are devices that help children move their hands, draw, play, and express themselves—at least to do what children enjoy; the idea came from parents of SMA children who couldn't find enough good alternatives. Radek, a child, was finally able to move his arm for the first time thanks to the development by Barłomiej Gaczorek's design studio and the results printed on the Sinterit Lisa 3D printer .



However, designing and manufacturing an inexpensive, affordable, easy-to-assemble, and readily usable exoskeleton arm for children is no easy task. First and foremost, child comfort must be considered, requiring a smooth appearance and well-engineered construction. Another key aspect is maximizing dexterity and minimizing hand weight. The entire production process utilizes SLS printing technology, which is expected to be highly precise, time-saving, and minimize the need for hand-holding, thus reducing the time children spend waiting to move their arms.



Thanks to 3D printing and state-of-the-art design tools, we were able to meet all these requirements. The Autodesk Fusion 360 can perform complex motion analysis and shape adjustments. The intricate internal components can only be produced by a very precise 3D printer using robust, non-toxic materials; prototyping would be much more difficult and time-consuming if using equipment other than an SLS 3D printer .
3D printing can significantly shorten the design, testing, and development phases of children's exoskeleton arms, thanks to the ability to create and refine prototypes internally within hours. SLS 3D printing maintains the required precision and tolerances (0.05 mm). The ability to produce highly detailed and robust models without printing any supports is a significant advantage of laser powder sintering technology. Furthermore, and importantly, regarding the usability and psychological well-being of devices for children with disabilities, SLS produces the highest quality finished products , with the child's comfort being paramount throughout the entire process.



"I decided to print the main elements using SLS technology because of its complex internal structure. Other technologies, such as FDM , still have slight precision and tolerances (greater than 0.05mm). Furthermore, FDM printing requires support and, in addition to water-soluble PVA , affects the surface of the object. In terms of user comfort , SLS and SLA produce better results, and compared to other industrial machines, Sinterit Lisa SLS printing is relatively inexpensive and of excellent quality," explained Barłomiej Gaczorek. In the medical field, there are still many technologies related to improving motor skills, and 3D printing can serve as an alternative, being easy to use and extremely precise. Children's exoskeleton arms are just one of many possible applications of SLS 3D printing .





The application of 3D printing technology in the medical field, particularly in enhancing physical capabilities, is no longer just a conceptual idea. The benefits of using 3D printing technology include:
• Establish a complex structure with sufficient precision and reduce the total number of required components.
Because SLS products are robust, durable, and lightweight, they significantly improve user comfort.
SLS printing opens up new methods for improving the accuracy of original parts and significantly reduces frictional wear between working parts.
While reducing costs and time, 3D printing allows you to focus on problems and solutions rather than the tedious process of producing models. Rapid prototyping with minimal cost and reduced time for doctors and designers enables assistive devices to be delivered faster and cheaper.
SLS printing elements can be interconnected with other materials, such as metals or printed materials used in other technologies.

We are happy to share examples of how 3D printing technology improves human life in all fields. The good news is that we have now introduced the SLS 3D printer . If you have similar research requiring printing services , please contact us or schedule an appointment to learn more about the machine. All the latest news will be updated on our fan page , so please follow us to share the latest technology.

Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/use-case/exoskeleton-supportive-parts-for-children-with-sma/