Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function
Customized wrist splints, particularly for upper extremity orthoses like wrist support braces, are commonly used across numerous clinical scenarios. However, the traditional process for producing personalized wrist splints is largely manual and highly dependent on the expertise of orthopedic special...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/827 |
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| author | Stefanos Voulgaris Charoula Kousiatza George Kazakis Konstantinos-Iason Ypsilantis Dimitrios Galanis Chara Ch. Mitropoulou Maria Gkara Stelios K. Georgantzinos Konstantinos Soultanis Nikos D. Lagaros |
| author_facet | Stefanos Voulgaris Charoula Kousiatza George Kazakis Konstantinos-Iason Ypsilantis Dimitrios Galanis Chara Ch. Mitropoulou Maria Gkara Stelios K. Georgantzinos Konstantinos Soultanis Nikos D. Lagaros |
| author_sort | Stefanos Voulgaris |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Customized wrist splints, particularly for upper extremity orthoses like wrist support braces, are commonly used across numerous clinical scenarios. However, the traditional process for producing personalized wrist splints is largely manual and highly dependent on the expertise of orthopedic specialists. This experience-based approach often leads to suboptimal outcomes, necessitating further refinement of the designs. Recent advancements in Additive Manufacturing (AM) have brought significant innovation to various industries, including orthopedics. This study aims to present a comprehensive methodology that integrates advanced design tools, like 3D Scanning, with digital manufacturing techniques to produce tailored wrist splints. The produced hand brace aims to offer enhanced mechanical performance and comfort by precisely fitting an individual’s anatomy while minimizing material usage and weight. To achieve optimal design efficiency, the study explores the application of a topology optimization (TO) approach for design, while the manufacturing process utilizes Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), an evolving technology within the additive manufacturing (AM) sector. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-577d1218ea874dd7b6c0bafe8b836402 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-577d1218ea874dd7b6c0bafe8b8364022025-01-24T13:20:58ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-01-0115282710.3390/app15020827Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and FunctionStefanos Voulgaris0Charoula Kousiatza1George Kazakis2Konstantinos-Iason Ypsilantis3Dimitrios Galanis4Chara Ch. Mitropoulou5Maria Gkara6Stelios K. Georgantzinos7Konstantinos Soultanis8Nikos D. Lagaros9Department of Structural Engineering, Institute of Structural Analysis and Antiseismic Research, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University Athens, Zografou Campus, Heroon Polytechniou Str. 9, 15780 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Testing, Department of Industrial Management and Technology, University of Piraeus, Karaoli and Dimitriou 80, 18534 Piraeus, GreeceDepartment of Structural Engineering, Institute of Structural Analysis and Antiseismic Research, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University Athens, Zografou Campus, Heroon Polytechniou Str. 9, 15780 Athens, GreeceDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Div. LMSD, Jan De Nayerlaan 5, 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, BelgiumFirst Department of Orthopaedics, Attiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, GreeceInfersence Ltd., Agiou Sosti Str., 32300 Orchomenos, GreeceInnovasphere Ltd., Stara Planina Str. 80, 1527 Sofia, BulgariaDepartment of Aerospace Science and Technology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 34400 Psachna, GreeceFirst Department of Orthopaedics, Attiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, GreeceDepartment of Structural Engineering, Institute of Structural Analysis and Antiseismic Research, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University Athens, Zografou Campus, Heroon Polytechniou Str. 9, 15780 Athens, GreeceCustomized wrist splints, particularly for upper extremity orthoses like wrist support braces, are commonly used across numerous clinical scenarios. However, the traditional process for producing personalized wrist splints is largely manual and highly dependent on the expertise of orthopedic specialists. This experience-based approach often leads to suboptimal outcomes, necessitating further refinement of the designs. Recent advancements in Additive Manufacturing (AM) have brought significant innovation to various industries, including orthopedics. This study aims to present a comprehensive methodology that integrates advanced design tools, like 3D Scanning, with digital manufacturing techniques to produce tailored wrist splints. The produced hand brace aims to offer enhanced mechanical performance and comfort by precisely fitting an individual’s anatomy while minimizing material usage and weight. To achieve optimal design efficiency, the study explores the application of a topology optimization (TO) approach for design, while the manufacturing process utilizes Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), an evolving technology within the additive manufacturing (AM) sector.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/827topology optimizationpersonalized wrist braces3D printing3D scanningcomputer-aided designadditive manufacturing |
| spellingShingle | Stefanos Voulgaris Charoula Kousiatza George Kazakis Konstantinos-Iason Ypsilantis Dimitrios Galanis Chara Ch. Mitropoulou Maria Gkara Stelios K. Georgantzinos Konstantinos Soultanis Nikos D. Lagaros Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function Applied Sciences topology optimization personalized wrist braces 3D printing 3D scanning computer-aided design additive manufacturing |
| title | Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function |
| title_full | Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function |
| title_fullStr | Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function |
| title_full_unstemmed | Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function |
| title_short | Upper Limb Orthoses: Integrating Topology Optimization and 3D Printing for Custom Fit and Function |
| title_sort | upper limb orthoses integrating topology optimization and 3d printing for custom fit and function |
| topic | topology optimization personalized wrist braces 3D printing 3D scanning computer-aided design additive manufacturing |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/2/827 |
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