Design and development of a 3D printed breathable cast for fracture

• Main Author: Loo, Wan Ting
• Other Authors: Yeong Wai Yee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Surgical assistive technology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/63461
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The purpose of this project is to develop a conceptual design of the 3D printed breathable cast that would be used for the support of the fracture during the healing process. With the introduction of the advanced technologies, the current casts that are used could now be designed and customized to serve the purpose of providing better comfort and care to the patients. In this study, the fundamental of biomechanics and the understanding of the fractures are discussed. With these information acquired, the design of the 3D breathable cast was designed with the consideration of the factors, whereby how it would support the fracture and how it could be applied onto the hand. Rhino software together with additional plug-ins and tool components are used in designing of the cast and the choice of Selective Laser Sintering is made to print out the cast. With the conceptual design of the 3D printed breathable cast, it represents a key milestone for the replacement of the current cast.