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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Kenneth Dalgarno
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In the medical sector use of scanning technologies combined with computer aided design CAD and rapid manufacturing are gaining attention in the fabrication of customised medical aids, devices, implants and products. The main advantages of rapid manufacturing in the medical sector are the ability to fabricate complex geometrical medical aids and devices with high accuracy, part conformity and quality. However, in the medical sector use of rapid manufacturing at commercial scale needs further research for investigation of commercial feasibility of these technologies. Foot orthoses are medical devices used as non surgical treatment for biomechanical foot disorders and foot diseases preventing foot dysfunction and disability. Foot orthoses reduce or eliminate pathological stresses such as lack of shock absorption and excessive shearing forces. In the foot problems the significant challenge is the quick deterioration in the state and condition of foot disorder or diseases. This raises the need for quick provision of customised foot orthosis. In this paper, commercial aspects of applications of rapid manufacturing techniques for the fabrication of customised foot orthoses has been analysed and evaluated. Based on number of assumptions for the costs involved, a cost modelling has been exercised for cost benefit comparison of foot orthoses fabrication using selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique. The goal of this research is to develop a rapid manufacturing based fabrication system for production of cost effective and improved quality customised foot orthoses at commercial scale.
Author(s): Saleh JM, Dalgarno KW
Editor(s): Bártolo, P.
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Innovative Developments in Design and Manufacturing: Advanced Research in Virtual and Rapid Prototyping
Year of Conference: 2010
Pages: 705-710
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Notes: 4th International Conference on Advanced Research in Virtual and Rapid Prototyping
Library holdings: Search Newcastle University Library for this item
ISBN: 9780415873079
