The 3D printing industry though relatively new has been expanding rapidly over the last few years. 3D printing also known as additive manufacturing finds application in various industries, the most notable among them being the health and medical industry. 3D printing in the medical industry has been utilized to print everything from medications to human organs, but probably prosthetics printing has been the most popular. This blog discusses why 3D printed prosthetics are a new revolution in the health and medical industry.
Traditional methods of producing prosthetics require somewhere around a few weeks to even a few months. This happens because the prosthetics need to be custom fit to the individual. Compared to this, 3D printing has reduced production time drastically. This has, in turn, reduced production costs. The production time is so low that a limb, for example, can be made even in one day. Along with this, 3D printers are also available at affordable prices. These printers are user-friendly and bare minimum skills are required to operate them. This is also one of the reasons why prosthetics have become more affordable and accessible to people all over the world.
Reduced costs can greatly benefit children who require prosthetics. The average lifespan of a prosthetic is 5 years, but children grow very rapidly needing new prosthetics much more frequently. Along with this consumers can easily customize their purchases. One can pick out colours and styles to fit their wants and needs. This is another fascinating factor for kids.
Like traditional prosthetics, even 3D printed prosthetics are composed primarily of plastic. 3D printed prosthetics can be made from nearly any 3D printing thermoplastic, but the use of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) plastics is more common. 3D printers are becoming compatible with other materials like lightweight titanium to increase the durability and strength of the prosthetics.
3D printed prosthetics for various body parts can be formed but the most common among them are hands and arms. 3D printed prosthetic legs and feet are also becoming greatly popular, which provide a lightweight alternative to other prosthetics while also giving an aesthetically appealing design. Patients who have had facial reconstruction or have suffered facial damage greatly benefit from 3D printed facial prosthetics. In the making of 3D printed prosthetics, pigments are used so that the colour of the printed prosthetics is matched with the skin tone of the patient.
3D printed prosthetics are not just useful for humans, but for animals as well. 3D printed prosthetic limbs have been incredibly useful for improving the lives of animals. There are many cases where prosthetic legs, paws, or other body parts are 3D printed to help disabled animals regain mobility and improve their welfare.
Conclusion:
3D printed prosthetics have revolutionized the prosthetic industry. However, it is very important to choose the right brand which ensures to provide quality products only. There are many brands whose 3D printed prosthetics are available at very low prices. But you may encounter durability troubles if you opt for such cheap products. If you are looking for good quality 3D printed prosthetics, Incredible AM Pvt. Ltd. is the brand to go with. Incredible AM Pvt. Ltd. provides good quality 3D printed prosthetics at extremely affordable prices.