Abstract
This paper presents a study undertaken following the collaboration between specialists in two multidisciplinary fields, namely engineering and medicine. It was aimed at solving a practical problem by developing of a handle for use in orthopedic surgery. Specific engineering tools, knowledge and processes and methods were used for accomplishing this task. Tailoring devices according to surgeons preferences for ensuring an ergonomic use is an important criterion alongside functional and sterilization requirements, cost and fabrication time, 3D printing representing a feasible manufacturing solution as this research proves. The article details the steps required to complete the final product: design and redesign, numerical analysis, prototypes manufacturing and testing. To perform the numerical analysis that highlights the device mechanical behavior, finite element method was used in assessing different handle designs.
Highlights
The use of Additive Manufacturing in the medical field starts to become a common practice if one considers the increasing number of scientific papers [13], research projects and patents [4, 5], as well as the number of applications developed by universities and/or specialized companies [3, 6]
Literature studies and reviews showed that the focus of today’s researches is put more on designing, manufacturing and testing functional products and less on building medical phantoms used for visualization, communication or teaching activities
Functional products are developed based on medical needs, but the type of building materials, Additive Manufacturing (AM) process and AM process parameters, sterilization conditions, specific design for AM rules should be considered
Summary
The use of Additive Manufacturing (or 3D Printing) in the medical field starts to become a common practice if one considers the increasing number of scientific papers [13], research projects and patents [4, 5], as well as the number of applications developed by universities and/or specialized companies [3, 6]. Functional products are developed based on medical needs, but the type of building materials, AM process and AM process parameters, sterilization conditions, specific design for AM rules should be considered. Orthopedics is one medical field requiring the development of functional products such as surgical guides [9], instrumentations/tools, implants or prostheses, manufactured from metals or plastics using different AM processes.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
