The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternative
Introduction and purpose The orthosis is used to assist the function of the injured limb or to stop or limit the movement during the healing process. The actual process of making the orthosis is quite time-consuming [1]. An addictive manufacturing process, known commonly as 3D printing can be adv...
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Kazimierz Wielki University
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Education, Health and Sport |
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| Online Access: | https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/59425 |
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| author | Jakub Rezmer Inga Wasilewska Wojciech Homa Joanna Wanat |
| author_facet | Jakub Rezmer Inga Wasilewska Wojciech Homa Joanna Wanat |
| author_sort | Jakub Rezmer |
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Introduction and purpose
The orthosis is used to assist the function of the injured limb or to stop or limit the movement during the healing process. The actual process of making the orthosis is quite time-consuming [1]. An addictive manufacturing process, known commonly as 3D printing can be advantageous in creating cheap and highly customizable prosthetics. Using Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM), where each layer of material is deposited right on the previous one is now fully available both in professional and consumer-grade printers.
The main aim of this study was to create an easily customizable and cheap 3D printable finger splint with the use of Fusion Deposition Modeling technology.
Material and methods
BambuLab P1P 3D printer with CoreXY kinematics was used.
The filament used was the 1.75mm PLA (polylactic acid).
OnShape was used as CAD software.
Results
Basing our project on the three rings, which dimensions can be easily measured with a set of calipers or basic measuring tape we were able to develop a fully customizable finger splint that weighed less than 10 grams and could be fully prepared within 1 hour, including taking measurements, modifying the 3D model and printing it. Due to the fact, that PLA starts to deform around 60-65 degrees Celsius, with the use of hot water we could thermoform the splint after the printing, providing an even more precise fit with the “injured” finger. Modifying every measurement and aspect of the splint is simple due to the use of parametric design rules.
Conclusions
We were able to create a cheap splint, easy to print, and highly customizable to fit as many different patients as possible. In our opinion, 3D printing is a promising technology. With the lowering cost of equipment and filament, one day it might be a viable option in the process of creating individualized orthosis on a mass scale.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e971fae4164a44399b568960d8697699 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2391-8306 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Kazimierz Wielki University |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Education, Health and Sport |
| spelling | doaj-art-e971fae4164a44399b568960d86976992025-08-20T02:12:41ZengKazimierz Wielki UniversityJournal of Education, Health and Sport2391-83062025-04-018010.12775/JEHS.2025.80.59425The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternativeJakub Rezmer0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0717-9061Inga Wasilewska1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0864-9993Wojciech Homa2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2177-8818Joanna Wanat3https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3349-3618Uniwersytet Medyczny w LublinieIndywidualna Praktyka Lekarska lek. stom Marlena Wilczyńska-Rezmer, ul. Bohaterów Monte Cassino 15D, Lębork, PolandWojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny. al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, PolandMedical University of Lublin. Aleje Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland Introduction and purpose The orthosis is used to assist the function of the injured limb or to stop or limit the movement during the healing process. The actual process of making the orthosis is quite time-consuming [1]. An addictive manufacturing process, known commonly as 3D printing can be advantageous in creating cheap and highly customizable prosthetics. Using Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM), where each layer of material is deposited right on the previous one is now fully available both in professional and consumer-grade printers. The main aim of this study was to create an easily customizable and cheap 3D printable finger splint with the use of Fusion Deposition Modeling technology. Material and methods BambuLab P1P 3D printer with CoreXY kinematics was used. The filament used was the 1.75mm PLA (polylactic acid). OnShape was used as CAD software. Results Basing our project on the three rings, which dimensions can be easily measured with a set of calipers or basic measuring tape we were able to develop a fully customizable finger splint that weighed less than 10 grams and could be fully prepared within 1 hour, including taking measurements, modifying the 3D model and printing it. Due to the fact, that PLA starts to deform around 60-65 degrees Celsius, with the use of hot water we could thermoform the splint after the printing, providing an even more precise fit with the “injured” finger. Modifying every measurement and aspect of the splint is simple due to the use of parametric design rules. Conclusions We were able to create a cheap splint, easy to print, and highly customizable to fit as many different patients as possible. In our opinion, 3D printing is a promising technology. With the lowering cost of equipment and filament, one day it might be a viable option in the process of creating individualized orthosis on a mass scale. https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/594253D printingFinger splintOrthosisCustomizable medical devicesFusion Deposition Modeling |
| spellingShingle | Jakub Rezmer Inga Wasilewska Wojciech Homa Joanna Wanat The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternative Journal of Education, Health and Sport 3D printing Finger splint Orthosis Customizable medical devices Fusion Deposition Modeling |
| title | The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternative |
| title_full | The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternative |
| title_fullStr | The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternative |
| title_full_unstemmed | The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternative |
| title_short | The 3D printed ring-based finger splint - a cheap and lightweight alternative |
| title_sort | 3d printed ring based finger splint a cheap and lightweight alternative |
| topic | 3D printing Finger splint Orthosis Customizable medical devices Fusion Deposition Modeling |
| url | https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/59425 |
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