Just want to add- I worked in a prosthetics lab as their 3D printing integrator- 3D printed prosthetic check sockets were SO useful- similar method to the cast, but in the case of check sockets, you often have to make small tweaks to the shape and overall size, and the traditional method is incredibly time consuming and labour intensive. Being able to freely iterate was super helpful.
As an orthopedic technician of thirty years this is exciting. No, it's not meant to replace everything we use. But it will help improve care and eventually become a standard of care much like fiberglass casts replacing old plaster casts. But what I really like seeing is Metal 3d printing for bone segments and total joint replacements
but when you break your arm, you kinda need the cast immediately. how long between Scan and getting the cast on the broken limb? since traditional casts are done there and then. with this you have to scan, order, await printing, then there is logistics of getting it delivered to your hospital. this waiting time has the risks of the bone beginning to heal unsupported, unless they are fitting a temporary traditional cast while you wait (which makes sense). so long term healing this is great. short term, you still need a basic cast on there quick.
There are temporary "first aid" casts that are basically pre-saturated fiberglass kits that encase the affected bone. A more "permanent" cast can be applied once the bone is realigned, and that's where the 3D printed cast would come in.
I don't know what their business model is, but ActivArmor should look to bring 3d printers into hospitals and then operate and/or service them for a fee. So basically offering the cast service in-house.
Ugh, too bad you can’t actually use it for cosplay. This video heavily implies the app lets you get an stl you can print at home (though you shouldn’t for medical purposes), but you can’t AFAICT. There’s just the option to order from them, which I think you can only do if you’re a provider? And even if you can technically order it as an average joe it would be cost-prohibitive since it’s a medicine-adjacent thing from the US.
I've got a couple of questions: The scanning app creates a STL file you can download and print? Or do you send it off to some service? I think that wasn't clear in the video. Also, assuming you paid all the fees and have the materials, how would you get the STLs for printing, where do you send if afterwards etc. I think this is a really interesting field and we have a lots of possibilities in the future, but there were some information missing or unclear in this video.
Hi, Thank you for the question. The scanning app just takes the image of the limb. ActivArmor provides the design services for the casts. We contract with hospitals and clinics to provide the custom medical devices. Thanks!
@@ActivArmor3D If we have the means could we print the cast ourselves? Can the files your service generates be sold or is it strictly to be used with contracted hospitals and clinics?
There is a TH-cam channel of an actual amputee, and an engineer called Ian Davis. He is utilizing 3d scanning and printing, as addition to traditional methods to make prostheses for himself and other apmutees. He recently, just a couple days ago, did a video about scanning his hand with creality 3d scanner and homemade radial jig for 360° captures.
The main reason for the regulation is more than likely to ensure proper materials are being used for the cast and not just the cast integrity itself. Imagine if this was made with a plastic loaded with BPA or Latex and you had it on for many weeks. The rashes and or symptoms could be horrible. If people used things like PC it could contain BPA. Carbon fiber although tough is also an irritant. The cast also needs to be somewhat food safe and also needs to not attract bacteria (if it were biodegradable)
This is AMAZING! I love to see additive manufacturing doing great things like this, I can see this as a great way to make back braces that custom fit as well, and possibly a good structure for a prosthetic hand or other body part, the potential is awesome. I love to hear about stuff like this, thank you for reviewing this!
3:20 The S in ABS stands for styrene, and all ABS filaments will off-gas some styrene. Styrene is a known potential carcinogen (specifically styrene oxide in humans), so you really really don't want to be exposed to it. Even if the risk from styrene is minimal, ABS printing is still notorious for particulate (microplastic?) emissions which isn't great for those with asthma. So if you print with ABS or ASA, be sure to use an activated charcoal filter or print in a ventilated room. Like all plastics, ABS filaments come in a variety of formulations, some more irritating/stinky than others. Good on Polymaker for making a low-stink ABS, but at the end of the day it's still going to off-gas styrene because we're heating up ABS.
This always happens where I think of a great idea like this then 6-12 months later I find one someone has already pioneered this. Ugh and AWESOME at the same time
I currently working and studying in a prosthetics and orthotics company in the EU, it's important to note a few key points for those interested in manufacturing these devices. FDM printing is generally suitable for prototyping, but not for final products. The layer lines in FDM prints can harbor bacteria if not properly post-processed, making them unsuitable for long-term use. For more durable orthotics, SLS printing is a better option. However, companies must still provide evidence that their parts have undergone rigorous testing and are safe for use. But Still very interesting great to see this innovation and its prospect
The 3D printed cast from Stowaway is the dream if you're in that situation. Interesting how they worked around the support problem with the diamond holes.
I imagine these will be great for folks who need joint stability, too, like folks with EDS- you could have custom splints to match your wardrobe… very cool potential here!
So 3 things, I feel like for this you will need to wear a sock over your arm and then that ruins the whole point. Also the amount of time from printer to consumer will take a lot of time. Finally what if it breaks from a kid just rough housing? Then the kid would need a replacement and maybe a cast for longer. What if this was almost like a brace instead? Then the consumer can have a actual Velcro, non-water proof, brace when not being active and one of these devices when doing athletic activities.
Nope, no sock. Printing on-site in a few hours is an option. Our devices are stronger than traditional casts. The casts can be locked-on or removable, depending on the doctor's orders.
What are the required print settings for this? Like what's the layer height and infill? What nozzle sizes are acceptable? Is there a set level of acceptable imperfections? Could it be done in resin instead of ABS? Does there need to be surface finishing afterwards? I could see a lot of bacteria finding the layer lines against the skin very welcoming.
I've never broken anything, just a couple fractured fingers. I always thought the cast had to be applied ASAP. Having a cast printed, then shipped would take a while.
Hi, great question! The normal process for fracture care is to go to the emergency room or urgent care, where they'll put a temp splint on, and then refer you to the orthopedic surgeon where you'll get your longer-term cast applied once the swelling goes down. Otherwise your cast will get too lose and have to be cut off and reapplied. We have an option for that phase of healing too! th-cam.com/video/eHjMdfNQJ5I/w-d-xo.html
He talked about all the costs involved in becoming a provider of casts, but he never did mention how much you'd earn per cast. In other words, how many casts would you have to produce in a year to even break even against the costs?
This is important for people with carpel tunnel every physical therapist can use it right now. If you have carpet tunnel the physical therapist will fit you out with a long glove with a big metal splint to keep you from bending your wrist when you sleep (this is hot to wear and looks just like those casts except your arm is completely covered). This will mean you avoid surgery. So if you are in IT or you are an artist and have been waking up with numb hands, then you are on your way to carpel tunnel and you won't be able to use scissors, garden shears, you name it. You will notice that vibrations in the steering wheel or your vacuum cleaner cause pain. It took at least a year before the splint on my wrist fixed my carpel tunnel which was pretty bad. Surgery can result in complications but is a quick and expensive fix. The splint on your wrist keeps it from curling at night which cuts off your circulation. You will be training yourself by wearing the splint at night to not curl your wrist while sleeping. I no longer need a splint. I did however realize I was curling my thumb at night and they used molded foam to fix that issue. As a side note I hope they can use this to make custom plastic molds to walk on if you have arch problems due to the shape of your foot. The last time I saw a foot doctor they said to use standard store bought ones instead of a custom one made when I was young and my ankles were making popping noises. I have been forced to wear slippers with arch support because apparently when you step out of bed in the morning that stretch is what tears the support in your foot and not just hopping around gardening. I cannot walk barefoot either. I have torn the plantar fascia supporting my foot twice and it takes a year to heal up. It does not heal by itself. I tried that and limped a very long time. Don't use ice like I tried. I expected the doctor to give me a new molded support for my arch but apparently that was too expensive. So I seriously hope this tech can be made readily available since I was extremely unhappy. Maybe someone can invent a clear plastic one that I can use with sandals please. I had to stop wearing supports that are held in place by your shoes when I moved to L.A. and shoes are too hot.
Hi! We don't like PLA for its finishing properties and porosity. Also, heat molding flat pieces are not as comfortable or form fitted as a custom designed device. Thanks!
I get that this is better than a traditional Plaster cast but for quite some time Hospitals have been using a thermosetting plastic that takes a couple of minutes to apply, is fully breathable and easy to remove. In what way is this any better?
Thermoplastic splints are not better for fractures than plaster or fiberglass casts. As for a couple of minutes to apply, it's been a while but I don't ever remember anything but the absolute smallest/simplest of thermoplastic splint taking less than 15-20 minutes to fabricate. (and I fabricated more than I can count working in an Army hand clinic) Thermoplastic splints take longer to fabricate than a cast typically does for the same area.
Hi, great question! 98% of the fracture care market is plaster and fiberglass, with 2% being off-the-shelf heat moldable thermoplastic splints. None of the above are hygienic - you can't wash or sanitize your hands. They trap moisture and bacteria against the skin for weeks. We, at ActivArmor, think that the ability to practice basic hygiene like showring and washing your hands should be the standard of care!
I have a hand injury where I am missing half of my left hand, my metacarpal is pinned to my radius bone, I use a MedSpec Boxer Splint now it does not offer that much protection. I have been meaning to go to them for over a year now to have a splint made at least that would be the smart thing to do. One fall & I am not a happy camper with my current set up.
Wish I'd watched this a month ago when I broke my metacarpal! Still in a splint on the tail end of healing from that. I did 3D print a custom socket with a very Frankensteined computer mouse, since the shape of the cast prevented me from using a normal mouse. Video on that coming to my channel sometime in the future! This would've been really nice to know about, mainly for the breathability (regular casts are woven fiberglass so if you put a fan near it, it will cool down, but still not ideal) and WATER compatibility... Although I'm not sure the sports are realistic, especially stuff like baseball because impacts are a BIG no-no, with lifting of any kind close behind. Awesome to know this exists though!
Hello. A question about a video you made 2 years ago about the Mosaic palllete 3 and 3 pro. What printer to you attach this to? A printer that is not that expensive. Thanks in advance
Thanks for the video and what this could do for the medical field. I don't think too many hobbyists will get into this due to the cost, but we enjoy seeing what is possible.
I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time, but didn't know how or where to look. Thanks Joel. I think I'm going to make some prosthetics and practice making casts now while I wait for my certification
Part of me wonders if I could make the cast myself out of other materials. for example pla, petg, or even a stiff tpu not for broken bones but for sprains and reducing things like RSI. having a cast that I can tailor to me. I also know I am very very hard on things and will most likely break the cast, I did so with my traditional cast I got as a child. so having it be slightly more modular with an upper and lower half might also be beneficial.
What if you could print it from a hypoallergenic metal? The vast majority of plastic is not actually recyclable, but metal is infinitely recyclable. It would require less material, allowing a less dense mesh while being stronger than plastic.
Hi! Good question. Our ABS is recyclable. One reason is cost, and another is ease of print and finishing. The density of the mesh is for protection, not strength. Physicians want protection, not just immobilization for fracture care.
Thank you for the video. Polymaker is a great filament company. You scanned your forearm and printed 3 cast. The scan captures a 3D image of the forearm and ceeates an STL file. Question: Would you share which software program you used to model the cast from the forearm scan?
@@ActivArmor2 Hi. Thank you for the reply. Just to clarify, my question wasn't in any way regarding about self treatment. My question was more about what additional app/software was used to create a 3D print from arm scan. With the purpose of using it for jewelry designing.
Super cool to see this as a possibility. The business opportunities here are endless if doctors already want to do this, just having a couple of printers banging these out overnight with files sent by the healthcare provider. Sure the FDA fee is high, and I trust polymaker can get the designation needed on their ABS, so we arent spending 70$ a Kg
Thank you @3DPrintingNerd for the info, fantastic video. I have a question if I am allowed please. How much time did it take to print one, and how much kg of filament?
Great video! I have pitched this exact idea here in Belize. It is very common for field workers to hide injuries from their employers here, because a cast means you can't work. My idea was to try and use recycled PET, as the import duties for materials can be prohibitive. Some big hurdles here would be that there is no FDA like body to certify such things, the government healthcare can't afford the infrastructure, and the out-of-pocket cost for the average citizen is simply unattainable. My dream would be to create an NGO which could provide the service - ideally a mobile unit to reach the many isolated off-grid villages - at a low or no cost to the injured. Children are especially susceptible to injury here. As a tangent I've been exploring this idea to extend to the treatment of club foot births, which Belize has a higher percentage of than the US. I'm open to any and all ideas. Cheers!
Looks and sounds awesome, however I would never do this as a person, medical stuff is riddled with risk. That's indeed why there is an insurance, but then still, I stay away from it with programming as well.
@activarmor I was a Quality Engineer for a MDM regulated under ISO 13485 and I am familiar with ISO 10993. Do you need a provider in the Orange County, California area? How would I go about applying to be such a supplier?
Can definitely tell Joel ha never broken his arm by the way he was moving it to put the cast on. When I broke my arm they warned me to keep my thumb pointed towards my nose. When a nurse twisted my wrist to get a top view x-ray, my mother heard me scream from the waiting room.
The use for broken bones (and cosplay) sound great but what about also using the approach for sports or industrial applications where protection is required to prevent injury?
I'm all for printing a bunch of useless plastic crap. This seems like the most useful and important item I've seen printed on a home 3D printer. Glad this is now possible. I just wish the licenses weren't so expensive.
This sounds great. But only if you already have a print farm and live somewhere with a high population/demand for casts and have a relationship to a medical practice routing casts to you. The barrier to entry is high.
1:06 that much is obvious, not that anyone is going to listen though. People are going to do what they would regardless of how many times a TH-camr tells them not to.
As long as it is ISO certified for biocompatibility, the mechanical properties necessary, and the finish is proven to have no microporosity to trap moisture or bacteria against the skin, you should be good to go!
So, is it realistic for a person with multiple high speed ABS capable printers and a full featured 3d scanner to have a business as a provider for orthopedic clinics? I have 4 machines capable of making these and an Einstar scanner. Literally all I'd need is the special material and the proper licenses and insurance.
So, the thing I'd like to point out is that not all traditional casts are made out of plaster. Fiberglass is also a traditional cast material, and once it cures, can be perfectly fine in the water -- witness all the boats around the world that are made with fiberglass hulls. That said, I agree with another commenter that the turnaround time on going from the scan to having the 3D printed cast in your hands is not trivial. You can't do that process as quickly as you can put on a traditional plaster or fiberglass cast. So, it would be great to learn more about the use cases for what you do in the meanwhile as you wait for the 3D printed cast to become available.
Abs is icky I get that but what I don’t get is what’s the difference with this stuff? I do not see you addressed this in your video. I assume it’s different? No smell? Warping? What makes this any different? Why is this better than standard abs. It’s certified but what does this mean? It’s expensive so it’s only for medical use? Can’t see me using this for normal prints as it’s too dear.
Scanning with phone offers bad precision + hand isn't static object. It could be printed in vase mode with .8mm thickness with petg as the least toxic material and then filled up with plasted for the ease and speed of manufacturing
Hi! You're definitely right about human limbs not being static! There are many different iPhone scanning applications and our combination of hardware, software and clinical procedures has been proven to fit better than the current options - heat-moldable splints or plaster/fiberglass casts with padding that packs down over time. Vase mode is not ideal for our patterning maximized for strength and breathability using finite element analysis. The material is chosen based on print speed, post-processed biocompatibility, finishing ease/speed, and surface porosity. Thanks!
I would just wonder about the time to print one for a patient, surely you need a cast as soon as possible, unless they make a placeholder then replace it with one of these. They still look cool and I bet people would make them for fashion haha, Imagine a shoe printed in that way!
You definitely aren't walking out the door with one of these same day, even if hospitals started printing them on premises. They probably give you a temporary cast, which is pretty common even with traditional casts. I broke my hand recently and was put in a temporary splint for a few days until my follow up appointment.
@@OmairArif Actually, the average wrist cast print is 3 hours in-clinic, so you can get it the same day. th-cam.com/video/NYJZk0o23FM/w-d-xo.html. You're absolutely right on the temp splint process!
Hi, great question! The normal process for fracture care is to go to the emergency room or urgent care, where they'll put a temp splint on, and then refer you to the orthopedic surgeon where you'll get your longer-term cast applied once the swelling goes down. Otherwise your cast will get too lose and have to be cut off and reapplied. We have an option for that phase of healing too! th-cam.com/video/eHjMdfNQJ5I/w-d-xo.html
I'd like to see someone come up with a similar app that would allow you to modify the print job for things like gauntlets for cosplay. It would be non-medical so you wouldn't be required to be licensed to the tune of over $6,000 per year. Just sayin'.
Sounds like a good idea for a wrist brace for my carpel tunnel. Basically none of the ones I have tried are comfortable and there's always exposed straps and velcro hooks that grab onto my pajamas and bed sheets.
Any out gassing by filament or need for filters and enclosure? I'm looking for materials for my own printing needs and wants. . Its a great idea and good that there are certifications that are needed for this field. The fee is going to keep the hobbyist from helping and small printing printing business out. On the first is good because as a hobbyist myself and just learning I would love to help but I don't have the experience to help and know better to try. I do wish to raise one point about this and that is how is it going to act when it come to HIPPA? if you say had a rival that got has a broken something would you trust them or yourself to wear something that they produced?
Hi - great questions! Yes, our printers all have enclosures with replaceable internal HEPA filters. We don't get any HIPAA information ever. We simply get a scan file and order with an ID number on it, and return the cast with that ID number on it to the provider. The providers assign the ID numbers internally and correlate them to patients. Thanks
I did that for my kid a few years ago. unfortunately, my design was a little rough and the print too, so it wasn`t comfortbale enough to wear for long. when I saw the thumbnail though I was like WHAAAAA?
The cos players will be frothing over this - if they can access the app and do their own prints… perhaps there’s a non medical maker license…that maybe you can pay a small subscription for.
I've been breaking my brain trying to work out how to make a honeycomb infill splint for the last 3 days, and this video just got published and looks like it can solve all my problems!! Update: watched full video and nm 😭
You can scan in the same position as you would be casted, and completely touch-free. They can be printed on-site in a couple of hours, or you can be in your ER/Urgent Care trauma splint for a few more days.
it definitly is an improvement in function. cost and waste after the fact is a big downer on it. imageinge that classic casts are far more bio degradable.
Hi, great question - unfortunately, fiberglass is not biodegradable, and needing multiple casts through the healing phases is very common, so there's a lot of medical waste. ActivArmor is recyclable and reusable, reducing medical waste and landfill. Thanks
The only problem with this kind of solution is the American healthcare system. $210 for 3kg of filament says it all really. It's all down to people making a profit.
A 3 kg spool makes an average of 7 wrist casts, so that's about $30/cast, which is about the same as traditional casting materials. But we definitely agree there are issues with the healthcare system raising costs!
Thank you @3dprintingnerd for the very detailed overview! We are honored to be featured.
I am super excited to see this bloom and grow. What a time to be alive.
does the app support IPHONE 15 and later models ?
@activArmor3D
Just want to add- I worked in a prosthetics lab as their 3D printing integrator- 3D printed prosthetic check sockets were SO useful- similar method to the cast, but in the case of check sockets, you often have to make small tweaks to the shape and overall size, and the traditional method is incredibly time consuming and labour intensive. Being able to freely iterate was super helpful.
As an orthopedic technician of thirty years this is exciting. No, it's not meant to replace everything we use. But it will help improve care and eventually become a standard of care much like fiberglass casts replacing old plaster casts. But what I really like seeing is Metal 3d printing for bone segments and total joint replacements
but already some companies casting titanium total knees from 3d printed molds
@@nov6 yes the company is called conformis. They are being acquired by Restore 3d. That would be another company for interview or a review.
but when you break your arm, you kinda need the cast immediately. how long between Scan and getting the cast on the broken limb? since traditional casts are done there and then. with this you have to scan, order, await printing, then there is logistics of getting it delivered to your hospital. this waiting time has the risks of the bone beginning to heal unsupported, unless they are fitting a temporary traditional cast while you wait (which makes sense). so long term healing this is great. short term, you still need a basic cast on there quick.
Yeah, thinking the same things as well, I guess this is for strains and maybe when the bone has healed enough
There is something called a half cast. Being in crappy healthcare when I broke my arm the first few days I had a half cast that are temporary.
There are temporary "first aid" casts that are basically pre-saturated fiberglass kits that encase the affected bone. A more "permanent" cast can be applied once the bone is realigned, and that's where the 3D printed cast would come in.
I don't know what their business model is, but ActivArmor should look to bring 3d printers into hospitals and then operate and/or service them for a fee. So basically offering the cast service in-house.
@@ThomasS17 Absolutely! We do this at many hospitals and clinics. th-cam.com/video/NYJZk0o23FM/w-d-xo.html
This probably sounds strange/silly but this tech could be awesome for cosplayers. A load baring custom frame to add your bulky costume on top of.
I was just thinking the same thing! Cosplay seems like a cool use for this stuff, especially if you add some attachment points to the model.
There is a guy on the subreddit r/3dprinting that has been 3d printing an exoskeleton fore just that.
You'll see ActivArmor staff in full gear at Denver Fan Expo next weekend!
Cosplay was also the first thing that came to mind for me. Should simplify the process of making armor and outfits.
Ugh, too bad you can’t actually use it for cosplay. This video heavily implies the app lets you get an stl you can print at home (though you shouldn’t for medical purposes), but you can’t AFAICT. There’s just the option to order from them, which I think you can only do if you’re a provider? And even if you can technically order it as an average joe it would be cost-prohibitive since it’s a medicine-adjacent thing from the US.
I've got a couple of questions: The scanning app creates a STL file you can download and print? Or do you send it off to some service? I think that wasn't clear in the video. Also, assuming you paid all the fees and have the materials, how would you get the STLs for printing, where do you send if afterwards etc.
I think this is a really interesting field and we have a lots of possibilities in the future, but there were some information missing or unclear in this video.
Hi, Thank you for the question. The scanning app just takes the image of the limb. ActivArmor provides the design services for the casts. We contract with hospitals and clinics to provide the custom medical devices.
Thanks!
@@ActivArmor3D If we have the means could we print the cast ourselves? Can the files your service generates be sold or is it strictly to be used with contracted hospitals and clinics?
@@EvilAnarchy185 patients can’t print themselves… medical devices are heavily regulated and must be manufactured in an FDA registered facility.
this is so freaking cool. being able to get it wet, having air reach your skin, etc. is so awesome
There is a TH-cam channel of an actual amputee, and an engineer called Ian Davis. He is utilizing 3d scanning and printing, as addition to traditional methods to make prostheses for himself and other apmutees. He recently, just a couple days ago, did a video about scanning his hand with creality 3d scanner and homemade radial jig for 360° captures.
That's rad!
This would definitely have useful applications for prosthetics.
The main reason for the regulation is more than likely to ensure proper materials are being used for the cast and not just the cast integrity itself. Imagine if this was made with a plastic loaded with BPA or Latex and you had it on for many weeks. The rashes and or symptoms could be horrible. If people used things like PC it could contain BPA. Carbon fiber although tough is also an irritant. The cast also needs to be somewhat food safe and also needs to not attract bacteria (if it were biodegradable)
Yes, the ISO certification is for biocompatibility!
This is AMAZING! I love to see additive manufacturing doing great things like this, I can see this as a great way to make back braces that custom fit as well, and possibly a good structure for a prosthetic hand or other body part, the potential is awesome. I love to hear about stuff like this, thank you for reviewing this!
As someone who has broken 25+ bones, this is fantastic! I so remember that discomfort of the traditional plaster cast!
Did you feel not reaching 50 was good enough? Ha ha.
Oh no! We hope you don't need us, but if you do, we are here to make your life easier!
@@ActivArmor3D You'll break the bones in a neater and cleaner fashion? Ha ha.
@@EXG21 Nope, but we will give you the freedom to get wet and stay clean while you heal!
@@ActivArmor2 Heal boy! Heal. Calm down. Ha ha.
3:20 The S in ABS stands for styrene, and all ABS filaments will off-gas some styrene. Styrene is a known potential carcinogen (specifically styrene oxide in humans), so you really really don't want to be exposed to it. Even if the risk from styrene is minimal, ABS printing is still notorious for particulate (microplastic?) emissions which isn't great for those with asthma. So if you print with ABS or ASA, be sure to use an activated charcoal filter or print in a ventilated room.
Like all plastics, ABS filaments come in a variety of formulations, some more irritating/stinky than others. Good on Polymaker for making a low-stink ABS, but at the end of the day it's still going to off-gas styrene because we're heating up ABS.
Yes, we recommend air quality controls!
Stories like this is what makes me believe in the future of 3D printing. Great video.
This always happens where I think of a great idea like this then 6-12 months later I find one someone has already pioneered this. Ugh and AWESOME at the same time
Polymaker is the cat’s pajamas! I do believe SyriaTech Blu has the proper certification for medical devices…. For some resin love too. ❤❤❤
I believed in this from the moment I found out about it and became an angel investor. This product is very much needed.
I currently working and studying in a prosthetics and orthotics company in the EU, it's important to note a few key points for those interested in manufacturing these devices. FDM printing is generally suitable for prototyping, but not for final products. The layer lines in FDM prints can harbor bacteria if not properly post-processed, making them unsuitable for long-term use. For more durable orthotics, SLS printing is a better option. However, companies must still provide evidence that their parts have undergone rigorous testing and are safe for use.
But Still very interesting great to see this innovation and its prospect
The 3D printed cast from Stowaway is the dream if you're in that situation. Interesting how they worked around the support problem with the diamond holes.
I imagine these will be great for folks who need joint stability, too, like folks with EDS- you could have custom splints to match your wardrobe… very cool potential here!
So 3 things, I feel like for this you will need to wear a sock over your arm and then that ruins the whole point. Also the amount of time from printer to consumer will take a lot of time. Finally what if it breaks from a kid just rough housing? Then the kid would need a replacement and maybe a cast for longer. What if this was almost like a brace instead? Then the consumer can have a actual Velcro, non-water proof, brace when not being active and one of these devices when doing athletic activities.
Nope, no sock. Printing on-site in a few hours is an option. Our devices are stronger than traditional casts. The casts can be locked-on or removable, depending on the doctor's orders.
Polymaker make the best ASA so I am not surprised to find the ABS is also great.
What are the required print settings for this? Like what's the layer height and infill? What nozzle sizes are acceptable? Is there a set level of acceptable imperfections? Could it be done in resin instead of ABS? Does there need to be surface finishing afterwards? I could see a lot of bacteria finding the layer lines against the skin very welcoming.
Hmm, for that you'd need to ping ActivArmor. I think they do standardize on some settings, just not sure what they are.
I've never broken anything, just a couple fractured fingers. I always thought the cast had to be applied ASAP. Having a cast printed, then shipped would take a while.
Hi, great question! The normal process for fracture care is to go to the emergency room or urgent care, where they'll put a temp splint on, and then refer you to the orthopedic surgeon where you'll get your longer-term cast applied once the swelling goes down. Otherwise your cast will get too lose and have to be cut off and reapplied. We have an option for that phase of healing too! th-cam.com/video/eHjMdfNQJ5I/w-d-xo.html
He talked about all the costs involved in becoming a provider of casts, but he never did mention how much you'd earn per cast. In other words, how many casts would you have to produce in a year to even break even against the costs?
This is important for people with carpel tunnel every physical therapist can use it right now. If you have carpet tunnel the physical therapist will fit you out with a long glove with a big metal splint to keep you from bending your wrist when you sleep (this is hot to wear and looks just like those casts except your arm is completely covered). This will mean you avoid surgery. So if you are in IT or you are an artist and have been waking up with numb hands, then you are on your way to carpel tunnel and you won't be able to use scissors, garden shears, you name it. You will notice that vibrations in the steering wheel or your vacuum cleaner cause pain. It took at least a year before the splint on my wrist fixed my carpel tunnel which was pretty bad. Surgery can result in complications but is a quick and expensive fix. The splint on your wrist keeps it from curling at night which cuts off your circulation. You will be training yourself by wearing the splint at night to not curl your wrist while sleeping. I no longer need a splint. I did however realize I was curling my thumb at night and they used molded foam to fix that issue. As a side note I hope they can use this to make custom plastic molds to walk on if you have arch problems due to the shape of your foot. The last time I saw a foot doctor they said to use standard store bought ones instead of a custom one made when I was young and my ankles were making popping noises. I have been forced to wear slippers with arch support because apparently when you step out of bed in the morning that stretch is what tears the support in your foot and not just hopping around gardening. I cannot walk barefoot either. I have torn the plantar fascia supporting my foot twice and it takes a year to heal up. It does not heal by itself. I tried that and limped a very long time. Don't use ice like I tried. I expected the doctor to give me a new molded support for my arch but apparently that was too expensive. So I seriously hope this tech can be made readily available since I was extremely unhappy. Maybe someone can invent a clear plastic one that I can use with sandals please. I had to stop wearing supports that are held in place by your shoes when I moved to L.A. and shoes are too hot.
As a guy who's broken both arms. I wish I had something like this. But I also broke said bones like 20+ years ago at this point.
Could you not use pla and heat it to to form the shape of someone's arm. Similar to polymorph plastic. Saves waiting for a cast to be produced.
Hi! We don't like PLA for its finishing properties and porosity. Also, heat molding flat pieces are not as comfortable or form fitted as a custom designed device. Thanks!
I get that this is better than a traditional Plaster cast but for quite some time Hospitals have been using a thermosetting plastic that takes a couple of minutes to apply, is fully breathable and easy to remove. In what way is this any better?
Joel gets to plug a few manufacturers and name some printers.
Thermoplastic splints are not better for fractures than plaster or fiberglass casts. As for a couple of minutes to apply, it's been a while but I don't ever remember anything but the absolute smallest/simplest of thermoplastic splint taking less than 15-20 minutes to fabricate. (and I fabricated more than I can count working in an Army hand clinic) Thermoplastic splints take longer to fabricate than a cast typically does for the same area.
Hi, great question! 98% of the fracture care market is plaster and fiberglass, with 2% being off-the-shelf heat moldable thermoplastic splints. None of the above are hygienic - you can't wash or sanitize your hands. They trap moisture and bacteria against the skin for weeks. We, at ActivArmor, think that the ability to practice basic hygiene like showring and washing your hands should be the standard of care!
I have a hand injury where I am missing half of my left hand, my metacarpal is pinned to my radius bone, I use a MedSpec Boxer Splint now it does not offer that much protection. I have been meaning to go to them for over a year now to have a splint made at least that would be the smart thing to do. One fall & I am not a happy camper with my current set up.
Does the app let you create a printable file or did Active Armor create the file for you?
They created the file for me. The app sends the data, they create the file.
How did you print them
How do I get this app, nothing on the website says anything about the scanning app.
Yeah, surprised it isn't on the website. Search app store for "ActivArmor" or click the link I just added to the description.
Hi! The scanning app is just for the physicans to use in the clinical setting. Thanks!
Wish I'd watched this a month ago when I broke my metacarpal! Still in a splint on the tail end of healing from that. I did 3D print a custom socket with a very Frankensteined computer mouse, since the shape of the cast prevented me from using a normal mouse. Video on that coming to my channel sometime in the future!
This would've been really nice to know about, mainly for the breathability (regular casts are woven fiberglass so if you put a fan near it, it will cool down, but still not ideal) and WATER compatibility... Although I'm not sure the sports are realistic, especially stuff like baseball because impacts are a BIG no-no, with lifting of any kind close behind.
Awesome to know this exists though!
Hello. A question about a video you made 2 years ago about the Mosaic palllete 3 and 3 pro. What printer to you attach this to? A printer that is not that expensive. Thanks in advance
Thanks for the video and what this could do for the medical field. I don't think too many hobbyists will get into this due to the cost, but we enjoy seeing what is possible.
I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time, but didn't know how or where to look. Thanks Joel. I think I'm going to make some prosthetics and practice making casts now while I wait for my certification
This could be really helpful for disabled people like me who need to wear custom braces, Afos etc and can’t afford them
Part of me wonders if I could make the cast myself out of other materials. for example pla, petg, or even a stiff tpu not for broken bones but for sprains and reducing things like RSI. having a cast that I can tailor to me. I also know I am very very hard on things and will most likely break the cast, I did so with my traditional cast I got as a child. so having it be slightly more modular with an upper and lower half might also be beneficial.
Hey Joel how did you get the file onto your printer?
cannot find the app link? anyone? i find only AT&T virus stuff or Iphone exclusivity...
In the description of the episode there is a link to their site with all the info including that.
Hi! The scanning is only for physicians in the clinical setting. Thanks!
What if you could print it from a hypoallergenic metal? The vast majority of plastic is not actually recyclable, but metal is infinitely recyclable. It would require less material, allowing a less dense mesh while being stronger than plastic.
Hi! Good question. Our ABS is recyclable. One reason is cost, and another is ease of print and finishing. The density of the mesh is for protection, not strength. Physicians want protection, not just immobilization for fracture care.
Thank you for the video.
Polymaker is a great filament company.
You scanned your forearm and printed 3 cast.
The scan captures a 3D image of the forearm and ceeates an STL file.
Question:
Would you share which software program you used to model the cast from the forearm scan?
That's a question for ActivArmor!
The design software is only for fracture care providers, sorry! We legally can’t have people treating themselves for acute injuries.
@@3DPrintingNerd Thank you
@@ActivArmor2 Hi. Thank you for the reply.
Just to clarify, my question wasn't in any way regarding about self treatment.
My question was more about what additional app/software was used to create a 3D print from arm scan.
With the purpose of using it for jewelry designing.
@@KRUDOKnives Sorry, can't help you there, we only do cast design. The scanning software is separate from design.
Where can I buy a case
Nice video, it was well cast.🤪 Mahalo for sharing! 😀🙏❤️
Super cool to see this as a possibility. The business opportunities here are endless if doctors already want to do this, just having a couple of printers banging these out overnight with files sent by the healthcare provider. Sure the FDA fee is high, and I trust polymaker can get the designation needed on their ABS, so we arent spending 70$ a Kg
Thanks for the medical advice I will make one when I next break a bone. Will save on medical bills.
Thank you @3DPrintingNerd for the info, fantastic video. I have a question if I am allowed please. How much time did it take to print one, and how much kg of filament?
Great video! I have pitched this exact idea here in Belize. It is very common for field workers to hide injuries from their employers here, because a cast means you can't work. My idea was to try and use recycled PET, as the import duties for materials can be prohibitive. Some big hurdles here would be that there is no FDA like body to certify such things, the government healthcare can't afford the infrastructure, and the out-of-pocket cost for the average citizen is simply unattainable. My dream would be to create an NGO which could provide the service - ideally a mobile unit to reach the many isolated off-grid villages - at a low or no cost to the injured. Children are especially susceptible to injury here. As a tangent I've been exploring this idea to extend to the treatment of club foot births, which Belize has a higher percentage of than the US. I'm open to any and all ideas. Cheers!
Loving the T-Shirt Joel 😍
TEULA! I love that shirt!
hi how to get de app or wher?
?
search the app store for ActivArmor - or find the link I just added to the description
Hi! The scanning app is just for providers in the clinical setting. Thanks!
Looks and sounds awesome, however I would never do this as a person, medical stuff is riddled with risk. That's indeed why there is an insurance, but then still, I stay away from it with programming as well.
Joel do you remember me from RMRRF? You signed my cast!
@activarmor I was a Quality Engineer for a MDM regulated under ISO 13485 and I am familiar with ISO 10993. Do you need a provider in the Orange County, California area? How would I go about applying to be such a supplier?
If it’s “active armor then make out of metal?
Can definitely tell Joel ha never broken his arm by the way he was moving it to put the cast on.
When I broke my arm they warned me to keep my thumb pointed towards my nose.
When a nurse twisted my wrist to get a top view x-ray, my mother heard me scream from the waiting room.
FROM THE WAITING ROOM? Holy crap!
The use for broken bones (and cosplay) sound great but what about also using the approach for sports or industrial applications where protection is required to prevent injury?
Vets could use this for animals as well !
Bingo!
@@davidtobin was his name-o
I'm all for printing a bunch of useless plastic crap.
This seems like the most useful and important item I've seen printed on a home 3D printer.
Glad this is now possible. I just wish the licenses weren't so expensive.
This sounds great. But only if you already have a print farm and live somewhere with a high population/demand for casts and have a relationship to a medical practice routing casts to you. The barrier to entry is high.
Possible to not use ABS? But instead a ASA? I’d probably say PP might do even better in terms of softness..
You can use any ISO-10993-5 certified materials
1:06 that much is obvious, not that anyone is going to listen though. People are going to do what they would regardless of how many times a TH-camr tells them not to.
Custom fit armor! This scanner could help do some fun stuff as well.
Polymaker's ASA is also fantastic, better than the ABS in my opinion!
As long as it is ISO certified for biocompatibility, the mechanical properties necessary, and the finish is proven to have no microporosity to trap moisture or bacteria against the skin, you should be good to go!
@@ActivArmor3D Does that mean it’s as simple as vapor polishing compatible materials?
@@KelvinNishikawaNope, we don’t vapor polish. The vapor treated surface is brittle with porous cracks
So, is it realistic for a person with multiple high speed ABS capable printers and a full featured 3d scanner to have a business as a provider for orthopedic clinics? I have 4 machines capable of making these and an Einstar scanner. Literally all I'd need is the special material and the proper licenses and insurance.
That's true, that's all you would need!
So how does one get the app?
Just download it!
Can’t find information about the app anywhere
@@Marco-tf9pt Head to the description of the episode, then click the link to their website.
@@Marco-tf9pt It's in the description. Click the link to their website.
It's iOS only.
So, the thing I'd like to point out is that not all traditional casts are made out of plaster. Fiberglass is also a traditional cast material, and once it cures, can be perfectly fine in the water -- witness all the boats around the world that are made with fiberglass hulls.
That said, I agree with another commenter that the turnaround time on going from the scan to having the 3D printed cast in your hands is not trivial. You can't do that process as quickly as you can put on a traditional plaster or fiberglass cast. So, it would be great to learn more about the use cases for what you do in the meanwhile as you wait for the 3D printed cast to become available.
That's what half-casts are for.
Abs is icky I get that but what I don’t get is what’s the difference with this stuff? I do not see you addressed this in your video. I assume it’s different? No smell? Warping? What makes this any different? Why is this better than standard abs. It’s certified but what does this mean? It’s expensive so it’s only for medical use? Can’t see me using this for normal prints as it’s too dear.
Do they have Zero G 3D printing?
What’s the app
And as always great show Mr Nerd who needs cable TV.
I would love to be on your TV :)
I would like to see 3d printable armor for bicycling, for motorcyclist's, etc.
Scanning with phone offers bad precision + hand isn't static object. It could be printed in vase mode with .8mm thickness with petg as the least toxic material and then filled up with plasted for the ease and speed of manufacturing
Hi! You're definitely right about human limbs not being static! There are many different iPhone scanning applications and our combination of hardware, software and clinical procedures has been proven to fit better than the current options - heat-moldable splints or plaster/fiberglass casts with padding that packs down over time. Vase mode is not ideal for our patterning maximized for strength and breathability using finite element analysis. The material is chosen based on print speed, post-processed biocompatibility, finishing ease/speed, and surface porosity. Thanks!
This is a better wrist guard for skateboarding than is avaiable now.
I would just wonder about the time to print one for a patient, surely you need a cast as soon as possible, unless they make a placeholder then replace it with one of these. They still look cool and I bet people would make them for fashion haha, Imagine a shoe printed in that way!
You definitely aren't walking out the door with one of these same day, even if hospitals started printing them on premises. They probably give you a temporary cast, which is pretty common even with traditional casts. I broke my hand recently and was put in a temporary splint for a few days until my follow up appointment.
@@OmairArif Actually, the average wrist cast print is 3 hours in-clinic, so you can get it the same day. th-cam.com/video/NYJZk0o23FM/w-d-xo.html. You're absolutely right on the temp splint process!
Hi, great question! The normal process for fracture care is to go to the emergency room or urgent care, where they'll put a temp splint on, and then refer you to the orthopedic surgeon where you'll get your longer-term cast applied once the swelling goes down. Otherwise your cast will get too lose and have to be cut off and reapplied. We have an option for that phase of healing too! th-cam.com/video/eHjMdfNQJ5I/w-d-xo.html
I'd like to see someone come up with a similar app that would allow you to modify the print job for things like gauntlets for cosplay. It would be non-medical so you wouldn't be required to be licensed to the tune of over $6,000 per year. Just sayin'.
That is a FANTASTIC IDEA!
Sounds like a good idea for a wrist brace for my carpel tunnel. Basically none of the ones I have tried are comfortable and there's always exposed straps and velcro hooks that grab onto my pajamas and bed sheets.
Any out gassing by filament or need for filters and enclosure? I'm looking for materials for my own printing needs and wants.
.
Its a great idea and good that there are certifications that are needed for this field. The fee is going to keep the hobbyist from helping and small printing printing business out. On the first is good because as a hobbyist myself and just learning I would love to help but I don't have the experience to help and know better to try. I do wish to raise one point about this and that is how is it going to act when it come to HIPPA? if you say had a rival that got has a broken something would you trust them or yourself to wear something that they produced?
Hi - great questions! Yes, our printers all have enclosures with replaceable internal HEPA filters. We don't get any HIPAA information ever. We simply get a scan file and order with an ID number on it, and return the cast with that ID number on it to the provider. The providers assign the ID numbers internally and correlate them to patients. Thanks
@@ActivArmor3D Thanks for the response and answer but the first question was for the poloylight filament. Sorry I didn't make that clearer.
This is awesome, but I think it sucks that I can't print one at home w/o jumping through all the hoops
This feels like an infomercial.
that is an awesome concept
太时尚了哈哈我也想带上看看
Would make great body armour. Prevent the breaks in the first place.
Pretty awesome! :)
here is a question what about artificial limbs? just a thought
Brilliant for Cosplay - WHAT!
Might have EMS applications
Command, Engineering and Sciences division casts! 🖖
I did that for my kid a few years ago. unfortunately, my design was a little rough and the print too, so it wasn`t comfortbale enough to wear for long. when I saw the thumbnail though I was like WHAAAAA?
HOW DID YOU KNOW!? Sprained my wrist yesterday and printing a wrist support right now!!! ☠️
The cos players will be frothing over this - if they can access the app and do their own prints… perhaps there’s a non medical maker license…that maybe you can pay a small subscription for.
So let’s say I pay the 6k and get the insurance How much will I make per cast
Only for Apple though...
"my kids have broken bones and have had casts. And they are gross... Absolutely gross!"... Is he still talking about the cast? 😂
This is cool but I can't afford an iPhone or any phone with laser matrix scanning. But I do support not going to the hospital.
I've been breaking my brain trying to work out how to make a honeycomb infill splint for the last 3 days, and this video just got published and looks like it can solve all my problems!!
Update: watched full video and nm 😭
Maybe chat with ActivArmor?
Less money is definitely something I've had since starting this hobby 😂
How the hell am I going to hold up my broken arm for a scan? And how the hell am I going to wait 3-5 days to get a cast when I need it immediately
You can scan in the same position as you would be casted, and completely touch-free. They can be printed on-site in a couple of hours, or you can be in your ER/Urgent Care trauma splint for a few more days.
it definitly is an improvement in function. cost and waste after the fact is a big downer on it. imageinge that classic casts are far more bio degradable.
Hi, great question - unfortunately, fiberglass is not biodegradable, and needing multiple casts through the healing phases is very common, so there's a lot of medical waste. ActivArmor is recyclable and reusable, reducing medical waste and landfill. Thanks
@@ActivArmor3D thank you for the reply. sounds like a great step in the right direction.
These are recyclable and reduce medical waste.
The only problem with this kind of solution is the American healthcare system. $210 for 3kg of filament says it all really. It's all down to people making a profit.
A 3 kg spool makes an average of 7 wrist casts, so that's about $30/cast, which is about the same as traditional casting materials. But we definitely agree there are issues with the healthcare system raising costs!
So i can scan and make an iron man armor???? Was worth a try...
I mean, the tech is there... :)
@@3DPrintingNerd i know but i live in Belgium ;) unless u know something in Europe?