3D Printed Orthoses

Students learn how to design and manufacture 3D printable orthotic devices - available to subscribers of The PrintLab Classroom

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Project Overview

In this project students will be using 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies to design custom orthotic devices. The process begins by learning about an innovative case study, before students participate in a tutorial to design a wrist orthosis around a 3D scan of a hand. With newly acquired skills and knowledge, they will create their own 3D scans (or use the example scan data included) and go through a journey of research, ideation and product design to develop various types of custom 3D printable orthoses.


**Disclaimer: Although expert advice was provided to PrintLab during the creation of this project, we are not qualified clinicians and therefore do not recommend using any 3D printed outcomes from this project on real injuries/disabilities. The overarching purpose of the project is to educate people about the potential and opportunities with 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies for orthotic devices.


Curriculum Details

The lesson can be incorporated into the study of maths, design technology and computing. The material can be adapted for ages 12+. The curriculum is aligned to ISTE, NGSS, CCSS and UK National Curriculum standards. A comprehensive list of standards met is included in the lesson platform.

Resources Included in Project:

  • 3D scan data pack (STL)

  • 3D printed orthoses explainer video (hosted on PrintLab's student portal)

  • Online research method video (hosted on PrintLab's student portal)

        • Fusion 360 and Meshmixer design tutorials (hosted on PrintLab's student portal)

        • Orthosis design considerations document (PDF)

        • Assessment rubric (Google Docs & PDF)

                        Self-Paced Learning Option

                        PrintLab's student portal is home to the online learning resources required for each of PrintLab’s lesson plans (CAD tutorial videos, explainer videos etc), but it is also structured in such a way that gives users the option to work through each project online in a self-paced manner without a teacher/instructor. The perfect solution for distance learning, 3D printing clubs, passion projects or self-paced learning at libraries and makerspaces.


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