A case study of re-design for 3D printing: proposal to replace metallic fastening elements in an orthopedic corset with 3D printed PLA850 substitutes

Abstract

Medicine is implementing revolutionary techniques like 3D printing in customized patient care. This enables tailor-made manufacturing with high productivity and low cost. In this work, the possibility of replacing the metal closures of an orthopedic corset using 3D printing has been studied. For the redesign, a multi-criteria decision analysis method is carried out. A design of experiments of nine specimens on the final prototype has been realized to determinate the most optimal printing parameters. The printing parameters analysed have been: infill density, infill pattern and printing speed. These specimens were subjected to a non-standardized bending test. From the experimental results, a triangular infill pattern, 100% infill density and 100 mm/s in printing speed provide the best bending strength values.