When 3D printers were born, we could not imagine how much they were going to help us. These machines allow us to build almost anything we want in just a few days or even less, depending on the size. Best of all, anyone can buy a 3D printer and have it at home since they are very affordable when it comes to getting them.
Thanks to this 3D printing technology, many companies have seen ways to use it to facilitate their work, such as in the architecture sector or in the scientific and medical sector.
Some prostheses that are of great help
On this occasion, a French company that has dedicated itself for many years to the creation of materials that help the movement of people’s body parts, has turned to 3D printing technology to create silicone parts that can be used to different parts of the body.
This type of material does not pose any problem when it comes to being in contact with the skin, since it can be easily bent and it is not hard, which makes it comfortable. In addition, thanks to 3D printers, many more units of these parts can be manufactured in less time, thus saving many costs for the company and saving time.
This type of product is ideal for people who suffer from reduced mobility or who are unable to move due to having had an accident in the past.
Silicone, a great material
Silicone is a material that has perfect characteristics that allow it to conform to the skin without causing any discomfort for the person wearing the prosthesis. In fact, it is a very common material that is used in many elements that we see on a daily basis in many constructions.
The fact of creating these prostheses with 3D printers allows them to be thinner or wider or contain holes, depending on what part of the body is treated. They are all advantages , since doing this in an artisan way would take much more time.
3D printers can make these materials harder or softer, withstand environmental situations better, be softer or harsher, or make it easier or more difficult to handle, among other things.
An example of pieces that have already been created are a kind of gloves, a piece that would be inserted and cover an entire finger or an insole for the feet.
Such is the success of these prostheses that the company has decided to collaborate with the company in order to offer online courses to train people who wish to do so on 3D printing.