Top 3D Printed Orthoses

It is becoming increasingly evident that additive manufacturing has a pivotal role to play within the medical sector. This is largely due to the ability to create and customize solutions tailored to each individual. From bioprinting projects for tissue development to medical devices such as 3D printed implants, prostheses or orthoses. The latter, unlike 3D printed prostheses, have the function of medical supports that help modify and restore functional aspects of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Thus, orthoses are able to stabilize, relieve, immobilize, guide or correct a damaged part of the body. Since the morphology of each patient is different, the use of 3D printing is ideal for designing these unique devices adapted to each patient. Therefore, on this occasion we wanted to compile some of the most outstanding orthosis projects to date.

POHLIG GmbH’s SimBrace Technology

Pohlig is a manufacturer of orthotics for different parts of the body. Whether it is for a hand, a leg or even the chest, the company has a wide range of choices for its customers. In addition, Pohlig has created the SimBrace technology. This innovation is a 3D scanning process developed for patients. It adjusts the shape and position of the brace according to the patient’s morphology. The part is then 3D printed with FDM technology for prototypes, while the final products will use powder sintering. Once the part is given to the patient, the company accompanies them to improve their adaptation with the orthosis, especially for the legs.

Photo credit: Pohlig GmbH

OT4 Orthopädietechnik

OT4 Orthopädietechnik is a German company that is part of the Streifeneder Group. It specializes in the manufacture of patient-specific orthotics. Each component is designed using modern tools, including Multi Jet Fusion technology. This printing process allows for the production of custom-made products and easy modifications. OT4 Orthopädietechnik designs devices for various parts of the body: the face, head, arms and joints. The technology used offers advantages in terms of weight, quality and reproducibility. Together with its partner craft companies, the company combines the strengths of craftsmanship and digital manufacturing to create reliable products.

Photo credit: OT4 Orthopädietechnik

Custom-made Orthotics with Chabloz Orthopedics

Chabloz Orthopedics is a French company specializing in the design and production of custom-made orthotics for upper and lower limbs. Among the 3D printed parts, it manufactures helmets to fight against plagiocephaly, a skull deformity in infants. In addition, Chabloz Orthopedics differentiates between two types of orthoses for the lower limbs: posture orthoses and walking orthoses. The first is used to compensate for a disability of the lower limb, while the second can be used in addition to walking aids to improve the fluidity of the joints. The company uses HP Multi Jet Fusion printers to accelerate the manufacturing process.