3D Scanning to Enable 3D Printing in Ergonomics Projects

Abstract

3D Printing is an ideal technology to support prototyping and invention. Its possibilities are, however, limited by the user’s computer-aided modeling skills. Ergonomics would greatly enhance its practice with the adoption of the prototyping capabilities of 3D printers. For this to happen, Industrial Engineers who specialize in Ergonomics must adopt computer-aided modeling courses better suited to this end. Because curriculum modifications usually take a long time in colleges and universities to reflect a change of such nature, this work proposes the use of 3D Scanning to circumvent some of the difficulties in modeling and enable a more direct access to 3D Printing. The possibilities of this conjunction are demonstrated through the scanning and subsequent 3D printing of a human ear and a human skull.