3D-printed Objects: From Simple Gadgets to Implants

Ildiko Papp and Marianna Zichar

Description

Keywords: 3D Printing; 3D modeling; 3D reconstruction; customization; innovative solutions

H2020 challenge: Europe in a changing world – inclusive, innovative and reflective societies

Knowledge and skills (P: prerequisite; D: desirable, but not necessary): basic ICT knowledge (P); to have interest in 3D printing (P); social empathy (P); experience in 3D technologies (D); to be curious and prolific Internet researcher (D)

Introduction
Sources

Introduction

Every human is unique and that is why the solution for many problems related to people also needs a unique approach. This is valid in healthcare and in different fields of wellbeing as well. 3D modeling and 3D printing are exactly technologies that are suitable to deal with problems of customization [1].

The range of modeling software products, operating principles of 3D printers, characteristics of raw materials, and complexity of problems vary intensively, so our first task is to have a general overview on these topics [2].

Some typical applications that seem reasonable for a start-up company:

Different small (PLA, or ABS) objects printed with a desktop FDM printer, such as fidget spinner, massage roller, customized medicine boxes
Prototypes of braces (for broken bones, braces in dentistry, etc.) [4, 5]

With sufficient knowledge, and maybe in cooperation with other companies, the range of 3D modeled and printable objects can be much wider:

3D reconstruction, visualization of the human anatomy based on point clouds coming from CT images to practice medical interventions or to make the patients engaged into his treatment
3D printed (metal or ceramic) implants

Company of any size can be committed in social responsibility by taking part in different movement such as e-NABLE (http://e-nable.org).

Sources

[1] What is 3D printing, A definitive guide to additive manufacturing, Available: https://www.3dhubs.com/what-is-3d-printing#a-brief-history-of-3d-printing

[2] K. V. Wong, A. Hernandez, “A Review of Additive Manufacturing”, International Scholarly Research Network ISRN Mechanical Engineering, Volume 2012, 10 pages, Available: http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.mechanical.engineering/2012/208760.pdf

[3] How will 3D printing make your company the strongest link in the value chain, Available: https://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY-3d-druck-studie-executive-summary/$FILE/ey-how-will-3d-printing-make-your-company-the-strongest-link-in-the-value-chain.pdf

[4] S. Radhakrishnan, “3D printed implant fuses bone repair broken limbs”, 2017. Available: https://www.ibtimes.com/3d-printed-implant-fuses-bone-repair-broken-limbs-2631370

[5] The World’s First Dynamic Printed Insoles, Available: https://www.materialise.com/en/cases/worlds-first-dynamic-printed-insoles

[6] P. Holzmann, R. J. Breitenecker, A. A. Soomro, E. J. Schwarz, “User entrepreneur business models in 3D printing”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 28 Issue: 1, pp. 75-94, 2017. Available: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/JMTM-12-2015-0115

[7] M. K. Niaki, F. Nonino, “Impact of additive manufacturing on business competitiveness: a multiple case study”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 28 Issue: 1, pp. 56-74, 2017. Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-01-2016-0001

[8] O. Reichardt, “3D Printing and its Impacts on Society”, 2014. Available: https://www.thersa.org/discover/publications-and-articles/rsa-blogs/2014/01/3d-printing-and-its-impact-on-society#

[9] A. Pirjan, D. M. Petrosanu, “The Impact of 3D Printing Technology on the Society and Economy”, Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, Vol. 7 Issue: 2, pp. 360-370, 2013. Available: ftp://ftp.repec.org/opt/ReDIF/RePEc/rau/jisomg/Wi13/JISOM-WI13-A19.pdf

Case for an electronic toothbrush designed by a student (to replace a broken one)

3D printed brace (https://youtu.be/TAp93r_q1Fc)

Questions that need answers

Technical aspect

The topics that should be discussed first by the team:

Students will need to become familiar with the basic operating principles of 3D printers
Overview and classification of raw materials
How to turn a point cloud into a 3D model
First steps in getting to know a free design software

Business aspect

The topics that should be discussed first by the team:

Student teams will need to identify potential customer segments for services they will develop [3, 6].
Student teams will need to look for further 3D printable objects that can support humans’ health and wellbeing.
Students teams will identify what kind of interfaces they can use to reach the potential customers [8].
Students teams will explore how the cost of their services can be determined and what kind of impact of additive manufacturing can have on business competitiveness [7].

Social aspect

The following societal aspects should be examined in the context of this case study [9]:

Student team will overview what skills an employee should have and whether people with some kinds of disabilities could be employed at the company or not.
Student team will look for the impact of customized 3D printing on the environment.
Student team will explore civil organizations, or movements (such as e-NABLE) which can connect the company with the society.

Entrepreneurial Case Expert