A Comparative Study for Material Selection in 3D Printing of Scoliosis Back Brace

Abstract

In recent years, many research studies have focused on the application of 3D printing in the production of orthopaedic back braces. Several advantages, such as the ability to customise complex shapes, improved therapeutic effect and reduced production costs place this technology at the forefront in the ongoing evolution of the orthopaedic sector. In this work, four different materials, two of them poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and two of them poly(ethylene terephthalate glycol) (PETG), were characterised from a thermal, mechanical, rheological and morphological point of view. Our aim was to understand the effects of the material properties on the quality and functionality of a 3D-printed device. The specimens were cut from 3D-printed hemi-cylinders in two different orientation angles. Our results show that PETG-based samples have the best mechanical properties in terms of elastic modulus and elongation at break. The PLA-based samples demonstrated typical brittle behaviour, with elongation at break one order of magnitude lower. Impact tests demonstrated that the PETG-based samples had better properties in terms of energy absorption. Moreover, 3D-printed PETG samples demonstrated a better surface finishing with a more homogenous fibre–fibre interface. In summary, we demonstrate that the right choice of material and printing conditions are fundamental to satisfy the quality and functionality required for a scoliosis back brace.

From Virtual Reconstruction to Additive Manufacturing: Application of Advanced Technologies for the Integration of a 17th-Century Wooden Ciborium

“…Percentage water absorption rates of 2.5% for PLA and 0.3% for PETG were recorded, showing that PLA degrades much more easily than PETG, and that PETG has greater stability [ 36 ]. PETG is a thermoplastic polymer consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ethylene glycol, known for its ductility and mechanical strength [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. The main characteristics of PETG are an extrusion temperature ranging from 220 °C to 250 °C, a tensile strength of 49 MPa and a flexural strength of approximately 70 MPa [ 9 , 21 ].…”

An Insight into the Characteristics of 3D Printed Polymer Materials for Orthoses Applications: Experimental Study

“…Additionally, it is known that ABS and PC generate toxic substances when subjected to the melting process [18]. Moreover, both PA and PC possess a high density, while PA and ABS encounter notable levels of shrinkage [19]. Moreover, it is worth noting that both PA and PC contain significant quantities of hazardous fillers and additives [20].…”

“…Moreover, it is worth noting that both PA and PC contain significant quantities of hazardous fillers and additives [20]. It is also important to acknowledge that PA, PC, and TPU are linked to higher costs [19].…”

“…ABS has notable characteristics such as exceptional impact resistance and convenient processability [24]. The PETG material is often favored as a biomaterial for medical devices due to its superior stability range, enabling printing at lower temperatures and/or quicker rates [19]. TPU has notable mechanical qualities, including the most elevated tensile strength, tearing strength, and abrasion resistance when compared to other thermoplastic elastomers [25].…”

Numerical Modeling and Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Conventional and 3D-Printed Spinal Braces

“…In recent years, 3D-printing technology has started to be experimented with in the orthopedic field. Some notable applications include the manufacturing of spinal braces, bone splints, and customized prosthetics [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Several researchers have proposed procedures integrating advanced design methods and additive manufacturing for the realization of lightweight, easy-to-use personalized braces.…”