【3D Printing Application】Medical Breakthrough! Using Ultimaker to Help Muscular Dystrophy Patients?
How does Ultimaker help patients with muscular dystrophy? Let's take a look at the innovative work of Dr. Matthew and local student Krystyna! Over the past few years, Dr. Matthew Dickinso of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the UK has been involved in the "Primary Engineer MacRobert Award," which is recognized as a leading creative problem-solver in engineering innovation. Through this award, Matthew collaborated with a local student to conduct research using the Ultimaker S5, which was recognized at the UN COP26 conference.
Krystyna's cousin suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and she came up with an SMA jacket based on the concept of an exoskeleton. She named this design "exoskeleton," which provides support and extra strength to the patient's back muscles and spine. Her invention was one of only three inventions to win a gold medal, out of only six nationwide!
Krystyna with the exoskeleton model
The initial idea was to manufacture the exoskeleton from aluminum. However, considering the rapid growth rate of children and the consequent need for the exoskeleton to adapt, the cost was simply too high. So, Matthew thought: why not use 3D printing! By producing low-cost 3D printed components, the technology offers a high level of customization and repeatability, making the exoskeleton jacket a solution for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Initially, Matthew used an Ultimaker 2+ printer to design the first-generation exoskeleton and began prototyping with PLA. The results were promising and inspired further development, but the geometries that could be designed and printed were limited by the single nozzle.
Initially, Matthew used an Ultimaker 2+ printer to design the first-generation exoskeleton and began prototyping with PLA. The results were promising and inspired further development, but the geometries that could be designed and printed were limited by the single nozzle.
To overcome this limitation, Matthew switched to the dual-nozzle Ultimaker S5, which not only opened up new material combinations and possibilities but also helped advance the project. The second-generation exoskeleton used the S5 to test nylon and TPU for the outer shell materials with a PLA inner core, aiming to find the best performing materials to produce ergonomic components that were soft on the outside and hardened on the inside for rigidity.
Utilizing the Ultimaker system, Matthew optimized the process using Ultimaker Digital Factory software, whose ability to remotely print and monitor progress also allowed Matthew to work from any location. The analytics built into Cura and Digital Factory software calculated material costs and print times, enabling him to plan the exoskeleton's production schedule and research ways to reduce costs in the next generation.
Utilizing the Ultimaker system, Matthew optimized the process using Ultimaker Digital Factory software, whose ability to remotely print and monitor progress also allowed Matthew to work from any location. The analytics built into Cura and Digital Factory software calculated material costs and print times, enabling him to plan the exoskeleton's production schedule and research ways to reduce costs in the next generation.
An exoskeleton is an externally worn assistive mechanical device used to aid movement or prevent injury.
By using the Ultimaker S5, Krystyna's idea to improve her cousin's life went from concept and design to prototyping and manufacturing in just six months. Matthew stated that without the reliability and repeatability of the Ultimaker S5 combined with the Ultimaker Digital Factory software, he would not have been able to complete the project in such a short time. After its completion, the project was selected as the inaugural winner of the 2021 Primary Engineer MacRobert Award.
Matthew also became the chair of an ASTM subcommittee, advising on international exoskeleton standards to ensure the safe manufacturing of exoskeletons for human use. His involvement with ASTM has allowed him to connect with international organizations such as Ford, Boeing, NASA, and the UK Space Agency. Matthew and ASTM are working together, hoping to see the accessibility of exoskeletons soar in the near future. He believes that everyone will use 3D printing to replace parts in their homes, reducing reliance on waiting for manufacturers to produce them.
Did you enjoy this sharing? 3D printing can also shine in the medical field, releasing student ideas and achieving valuable innovation, industrial technology is within reach, and there are many choices of desktop and industrial models, for you to widely apply. 3DMart offers more than just 3D printing, contact us immediately to learn more application examples.
Follow our fan page, don't miss out on new information: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
If you're interested in making your own exoskeleton, you can download all the components here.
Reference
Did you enjoy this sharing? 3D printing can also shine in the medical field, releasing student ideas and achieving valuable innovation, industrial technology is within reach, and there are many choices of desktop and industrial models, for you to widely apply. 3DMart offers more than just 3D printing, contact us immediately to learn more application examples.
Follow our fan page, don't miss out on new information: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
If you're interested in making your own exoskeleton, you can download all the components here.
Reference