Wondering if you can use 3D printing in your OT practice? Of course you can! To get started, spend a few minutes at sites like Pinterest, Yeggi, Thingiverse or Makerbot.
There are 100’s of free plans online that may make your patient’s life a little easier.
- Zipper pulls
- Typing aids
- Smart phone holder
- Bra aid
- Splints
- Fishing rod support
- Razor holder
- Crochet aid
- Tap turners
Inspired? Read on and see how easy it is to jump into this new, creative technology.
Enjoy!
Cheryl Hall, OT
Author and Illustrator, Occupational Therapy Toolkit
What is 3D printing?
Another way to describe 3D printing is additive manufacturing. You don’t need any mechanical skills or experience with tools, instead the objects created by CAD software are built by a special printer that makes the 3D object one layer at a time.
Where should you start?
Before you make a big investment, explore your local library or school library. Many have 3D printers and 3D scanners available for use by the public or students. Makerspaces are also popping up in communities. While they may charge a modest fee to join or require a daily pass, they also offer technical support. Community Colleges and Continuing Education Programs also offer classes in 3D printing. And remember, there are 100’s of free designs online.
Why is 3D printing useful?
- Turnaround time from idea to product can be very quick.
- You can easily modify or customize your design for a particular patient.
- The items you produce are relatively inexpensive.
What are the limitations of 3D printing?
- Objects may be less durable compared to traditional manufacturing and materials, so spinning, sliding or moving parts could wear out faster.
- The size of the object is limited by the printer capacity.
- Most materials used in 3D printing are melted and then cooled, so tolerances, holes and threads may not be quite as precise.
What kind of hardware and software do you need?
- One of the most common and least expensive printers is the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer.
- 3D scanners allow you to scan objects with complicated geometry like limbs.
- CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is required. Some free options that are good for beginners include Tinkercad and Autodesk 123D.
If you have experience with 3D printing in your OT practice, please share what has worked well for you and your patients.
