17 March 2016
There is currently hot debate about prototype orthoses and prostheses being made on the 3D printer. The new additive manufacturing processes do indeed enable complex three dimensional shapes to be created – but to what extent can this printing technology replace the individual fitting of a device and, consequently, the patient’s treatment in the hands of the orthopaedic technologist? Here, even modern manufacturing techniques soon hit obstacles.
OTWorld 2016 will be considering the potential and the limitations of this 3D technology from 3 to 6 May. Several symposia at the World Congress provide an overview of the current state of play when it comes to the choice of materials, the methods of manufacture and variations in design. Presentations at the leading world trade fair will fill in the details relating to the latest solutions in the field of 3D printing. At the same time, the FabBus from the Goethe-Lab project at the University of Applied Sciences, Aachen will stop by and demonstrate the principles of modern 3D printing.
“Additive manufacture is one of the much-discussed topics in technical orthopaedics,” emphasises Michael Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of the German Association of Orthopaedic Technology (Bundesinnungsverband für Orthopädie-Technik) and member of the Steering Committee for OTWorld 2016. “OTWorld presents and discusses the latest possibilities for 3D printing in everyday orthopaedic practice, as well as the feasibility of its use,” observes Schäfer. “The trade and professional visitors can get a balanced picture of how and whether this technology is set to impact the everyday life of the technician.” Manufacture of prostheses and orthoses using 3D printing techniques is still very much in its infancy, but there are some exciting developments to be seen in various research projects.
Possibilities for 3D printing
“Additive manufacture and virtual, three-dimensional computer design have occasioned a complete rethink in the design of mechanical aids in technical orthopaedics, as well as opening up new horizons,” explains Schäfer.” Three-dimensional shapes and complex structures can be created, even for small production runs. The geometry of all sorts of component can be freely and flexibly achieved; forces that act on them can be simulated so that both structural strength and stability can be specifically targeted and improved.”
The symposium “Additive Manufacturing – new manufacturing techniques in orthopaedic technology?” (4 May 2016, 3:00 p.m.) will deal with additive production methods, which are suitable for use in orthopaedic technology. The potential of the new printing technology in terms of surfaces for prostheses is, for example, one of the topics in the symposium on “Innovative Design Variations in Lower Limb Prosthetics” (5 May, 4:45 p.m.).
At all events, the choice of plastics and metals for 3D printing is still limited and has, therefore, set limits to its use in orthopaedic technology. Schäfer is convinced, however, that“ OTWorld will provide new stimulus with regard to the variety of materials and designs.” Accordingly, the symposium will provide information on “Innovative Materials and Manufacturing Techniques in Orthopaedic Technology” (6 May 3:00 p.m.) and will include, amongst other things, 3D printing.
Furthermore, Dr. Urs Schneider, Head of the Department of Biomechatronic Systems at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), will devote his keynote speech entitled “Opportunities and challenges in the manufacture of the orthopaedic technology of tomorrow” to the question of how 3D printing will change the way orthoses and prostheses are made to meet the individual patient's needs (4 May, 2:00 p.m.).
3D printing at OTWorld 2016
At the OTWorld International Trade Show and World Congress from 3rd to 6th May 2016, the sector discusses the opportunities afforded by additive manufacture in orthopaedic technology.
 Photo: Leipziger Messe GmbH / Tom SchulzeAt the OTWorld International Trade Show and World Congress from 3rd to 6th May 2016, the sector discusses the opportunities afforded by additive manufacture in orthopaedic technology. |
OTWorld 2016 will be considering the potential and the limitations of this 3D technology from 3 to 6 May. Several symposia at the World Congress provide an overview of the current state of play when it comes to the choice of materials, the methods of manufacture and variations in design. Presentations at the leading world trade fair will fill in the details relating to the latest solutions in the field of 3D printing. At the same time, the FabBus from the Goethe-Lab project at the University of Applied Sciences, Aachen will stop by and demonstrate the principles of modern 3D printing.
“Additive manufacture is one of the much-discussed topics in technical orthopaedics,” emphasises Michael Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of the German Association of Orthopaedic Technology (Bundesinnungsverband für Orthopädie-Technik) and member of the Steering Committee for OTWorld 2016. “OTWorld presents and discusses the latest possibilities for 3D printing in everyday orthopaedic practice, as well as the feasibility of its use,” observes Schäfer. “The trade and professional visitors can get a balanced picture of how and whether this technology is set to impact the everyday life of the technician.” Manufacture of prostheses and orthoses using 3D printing techniques is still very much in its infancy, but there are some exciting developments to be seen in various research projects.
Possibilities for 3D printing
“Additive manufacture and virtual, three-dimensional computer design have occasioned a complete rethink in the design of mechanical aids in technical orthopaedics, as well as opening up new horizons,” explains Schäfer.” Three-dimensional shapes and complex structures can be created, even for small production runs. The geometry of all sorts of component can be freely and flexibly achieved; forces that act on them can be simulated so that both structural strength and stability can be specifically targeted and improved.”
The symposium “Additive Manufacturing – new manufacturing techniques in orthopaedic technology?” (4 May 2016, 3:00 p.m.) will deal with additive production methods, which are suitable for use in orthopaedic technology. The potential of the new printing technology in terms of surfaces for prostheses is, for example, one of the topics in the symposium on “Innovative Design Variations in Lower Limb Prosthetics” (5 May, 4:45 p.m.).
At all events, the choice of plastics and metals for 3D printing is still limited and has, therefore, set limits to its use in orthopaedic technology. Schäfer is convinced, however, that“ OTWorld will provide new stimulus with regard to the variety of materials and designs.” Accordingly, the symposium will provide information on “Innovative Materials and Manufacturing Techniques in Orthopaedic Technology” (6 May 3:00 p.m.) and will include, amongst other things, 3D printing.
Furthermore, Dr. Urs Schneider, Head of the Department of Biomechatronic Systems at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), will devote his keynote speech entitled “Opportunities and challenges in the manufacture of the orthopaedic technology of tomorrow” to the question of how 3D printing will change the way orthoses and prostheses are made to meet the individual patient's needs (4 May, 2:00 p.m.).
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