The ultimate goal of medical research is to improve health, but some areas still lack effective solutions in the fight against disease. One such area is SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), a genetic disorder that affects the nerve function controlling muscles. Even children with milder forms of SMA face a future of continuous muscle atrophy, loss of mobility, and inability to move. Without specialized external support equipment, affected children worldwide cannot move.
A custom-made exoskeleton arm is a device that helps them move their hands, draw, play, and express themselves—at least to do what children love; this idea came from the parents of children with SMA who couldn't find good enough solutions. Radek is a child who, thanks to development by the Barłomiej Gaczorek design studio and printing on a Sinterit Lisa 3D printer, was finally able to move his arm for the first time.
However, designing and manufacturing an affordable, easy-to-assemble, and articulated exoskeleton arm for children that can be used at any time is not easy. First, considering the child's comfort, a smooth appearance is needed, and the engineering method for implementation must be determined. Another consideration is to maximize flexibility and reduce the weight of the hand. The entire production process involves SLS printing technology, which is expected to be highly accurate, save time, and minimize the need for manual handling, thus saving children time waiting to move their arms.
Thanks to 3D printing and state-of-the-art design tools, we are able to meet all these requirements. Autodesk Fusion 360 allows for complex motion analysis and shape adjustments. Complex internal components can only be produced by very precise 3D printers with robust, non-toxic materials; without an SLS 3D printer, prototyping would be more difficult and time-consuming.
3D printing can significantly shorten the design, testing, and development phases for children's exoskeleton arms; prototypes can be made and improved in-house within a few hours. SLS 3D printing can maintain the required precision and tolerance (0.05 mm). Producing highly detailed and robust models without printing any supports is a significant advantage of laser powder sintering technology. Additionally important are the applicability and psychological feel of assistive devices for disabled children. The finished quality of SLS is the best, and the child's comfort is the most important thing throughout this entire process.
"I decided to print the main elements using SLS technology because of its complex internal structure. With other technologies like FDM, there would still be slight precision and tolerance issues (greater than 0.05mm). Furthermore, printing with FDM requires supports, which, except for water-soluble PVA, affects the surface of the object. For user comfort, the finished products from SLS / SLA are better. Compared to other industrial machines, the cost of Sinterit Lisa SLS prints is relatively very low and of excellent quality," explained Barłomiej Gaczorek. There are still many technologies related to improving motor skills in the medical field, and 3D printing can serve as an alternative solution that is easy to use and extremely precise. Children's exoskeleton arms are just one of many possible uses for SLS 3D printing.
The application of 3D printing technology in the medical field, especially in improving physical activity, is no longer just a conceptual imagination. The effective uses of 3D printing technology include:
．Creating complex structures with sufficient precision and reducing the total number of required components.
．Significantly improving user comfort due to the robust, durable, and lightweight nature of SLS finished products.
．The precision of SLS printed components opens up new methods and significantly reduces friction and wear between working parts.
．While reducing costs and time, 3D printing can focus on problems and solutions rather than the cumbersome process of producing models. Rapid prototyping at minimal cost and reduced working hours for doctors and designers can provide assistive devices faster and cheaper.
．SLS printed components can be interconnected with other materials (such as metals or prints used in other technologies).
We are happy to share examples of how 3D printing technology improves human lives in all fields. The good news is that we have also introduced SLS 3D printers; if you have similar research requiring printing services, please feel free to contact us or schedule a time to learn about the machines. All the latest news will be updated simultaneously on our Facebook page. Feel free to follow and share the latest technology.
Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/use-case/exoskeleton-supportive-parts-for-children-with-sma/