Developing Athletic Prosthetics Via 3D Printing

Authors

  • Misha Handman Camosun College, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
  • Richard Burman Camosun Innovates, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56007/arrivet.v1i1.27

Keywords:

3D Printing, prosthetics, nylon 12

Abstract

Prosthetic limbs present a highly unique research challenge, requiring intense customization for optimal use cases. These challenges are heightened for athletes, who engage with their prosthetics in highly competitive environments, placing them under tremendous stress. Thomas Normandeau, a champion Para Athlete, approached Camosun Innovates to develop such a prosthetic, able to aid him in his training regimens and reduce the risk of injury. Camosun Innovates undertook a human-centered design approach that foregrounded Normandeau’s needs and observations. Through a mixture of digital scanning and 3D-printed parts constructed using Nylon 12, a unique carbon-reinforced nylon traditionally used in the aerospace and automotive industries, the Camosun team was able to rapidly iterate a customized, properly-fitted prosthetic with unique, lightweight joint pieces precisely calibrated to Normandeau’s arm length, and without sacrificing the prosthetic’s ability to hold up under tension. The success of this prototype holds potential for other prosthetics both within and without the athletic sphere, with the potential to help users with exercise routines and common lifting and carrying tasks, from grocery shopping to household chores.

Author Biography

Richard Burman, Camosun Innovates, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Richard Burman, Education Lead at Camosun Innovates, brings a background in mechanical engineering, biomechanics, ergonomics, and health to CI, as well as 10+ years in AR and education; he works as the technical team lead and project manager on numerous engineering activities, teaches in capstone courses, and has created and delivered cross-curricular educational content for students and faculty, bringing AR and industry experience into curriculum.

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Published

2023-11-29

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): ARRIVET - Applied Research Results in Vocational Education and Training magazine

Section

a. Research Results – applied research findings from projects undertaken by VETs.

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