Scoliosis Orthoses - A Typical Application of SLS 3D Printing

how to print a 3d printing scoliosis orthoses

SLS 3D printing relies on high temperature carbon dioxide laser for powder sintering. SLS printer contains a powder bed and a roller which will spread the thin layer of powder and sinter the powder according to the design from 3D model file. While printing, the platform drops down according to the printing design, and the printing process is carried out based on the design steps until the final layer is formed.

Post-processing is performed after the printing is completed. The model needs to be taken out of the powder bed and sandblasted. The biggest advantage of SLS 3D printing is that printing does not require any support structure and it can bear complex geometrical models with the support of powder.

SLS 3D printing is a zero-loss technology with which the unsintered powder can be reused for the next printing after being sieved, and the old powder can be mixed with the new powder. This can help to reduce the operating cost.

SLS 3D printing can be used to print with a wide range of materials. In 3D printing with Selective Laser Sintering process, different materials can be used, including nylon PA12, TPU, PA 11, PA6, etc. The material needs to be chosen according to the specific application requirements such as the mechanical properties.

SLS 3D printing uses production-grade nylon materials to make durable functional parts, so the SLS technology is very suitable for:

1: Complex and durable production parts.

2: Parts need to withstand high temperature environment or chemical exposure production and prototype zero.

3: Impact resistant parts.

4: Small batch production and mass customization solutions.

5: Medical field.

From functional prototypes to all parts required for production, all of these can be manufactured using this additive manufacturing technology. In this article we will present you an application of SLS 3D printers in the healthcare field which is a very typical application case.

A scoliosis spine needs to corrected, then a orthoses is required. We choose SLS 3D printing to print a customized orthoses which has a lattice structures to reduce weight dramatically, and it can enhance breath ability with good efficacy, comfortable and grace design.

But how to print a 3d printing scoliosis orthoses? The process is as follows:

X-ray imaging → 3d scanning → design & 3d modeling → 3d printing → 3d printing scoliosis orthoses.

Compared with the traditional manufacturing technology, SLS 3D printing greatly improves the production efficiency and shortens the production time. It is much more comfortable than traditional orthoses.