- Generally, you’re not going to be 3D printing casts yourself
- Check out some of our favorite 3D printed cast ideas below
- Check out ActivArmor if you need to get a cast printed for you- we’ve collected some of their coolest cast examples below:
3d printing casts is an exciting new technology that can be used to create custom-fitted casts for broken bones.
This process uses a 3D printer to create a mold of the patient’s limb, which is then used to create a plaster cast.
This unique process offers many benefits over traditional casting methods, including a more comfortable fit, faster healing times, and less risk of infection.
This is because medical-grade materials in the form of nylon, glass, and even titanium can be used with 3d printing technology.
3d printing has been taking the world by storm, and it’s no secret that the medical field is one of the driving forces behind its success. Many 3d printed cast ideas have sprung up in recent years, but the nice thing about 3d printing is that you can be extremely creative with how you use it.
Right for you?
If you have recently suffered a broken bone, you may be wondering if 3d printing casts is right for you. Here are some things to consider before making a decision:
1. The type of break: 3d printing casts can be used for both simple and complex fractures. If your break is relatively simple, such as a broken arm or leg, 3d printing may be a good option. However, if you have suffered a more complex break, such as a shattered bone, you may need to consider other options.
2. The location of the break: Another factor to consider is the location of your break. If it is in a hard-to-reach place, such as your pelvis or shoulder, 3d printing may not be the best option.
3. The severity of the break: Finally, you will need to consider the severity of your break. If it is a simple break, 3d printing casts may be a good option. However, if your break is more severe, you may need to consider other options.
If you have considered all of these factors and decide that 3d printing casts is right for you, the next step is to find a reputable provider. There are many companies that offer this service, so be sure to do your research before choosing one.
Once you have found a provider, you will need to schedule an appointment to have your cast made.
The process of 3d printing casts is relatively quick and easy, and you should be able to go home the same day with your new cast. In most cases, the entire process takes less than two hours.
3D printed cast ideas
1. Skeleton skin for my Articulated finger extensions
It is a good idea to use your skin in the print process. You need to scan your hand or arm at different angles and then 3d printing software will fill in the details.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4391928
2. C3PO Legs
This is a very creative 3d printed cast idea that was done for a client who had lost his legs in an accident. The designers used 3d printing technology to create C3PO legs for him so that he could walk again.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3388823
3. Flex joint casting
This is a great idea to use your skeletal structure in the 3d printing process. This allows for 3d printing in hard materials like gypsum and plaster. This can be used for a variety of applications, but one great example would be a working arm cast.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:395390
4. Spinning Top, made for casting (2 of 2)
It’s a really fun toy to make, but it’s also a great 3d printed cast idea. You can make this spinning top spin on an axis or your hand, and the spinning top will act as a long-lasting plaster mold.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3861622
5. Casts to make skins for my Articulated finger extensions
This is the second 3d printed cast idea made from the skeleton of my stumpy fingers. The one in the picture is a lot larger, but it’s also more stable and can be used on a wider array of fingers.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4392074
6.Pathfinder 2 [PF2] Spell Area of Effect [AoE] Templates
This is a great example of designing an object using 3d printing software. The Pathfinder 2 Spell is a spell that uses your arm as the target, and it will shoot out a cone of light in all directions. For this to work, you could use your skeleton to print this object attached to a shoulder stand that is connected by very thin rods.
Where to download: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3397262
7. Venus de Milo
If you don’t want to go the 3d printed casts route and want to make one of your own Venus de Milo, then you can use this assembly instruction to create a copy.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:196037
8. Winged Victory of Samothrace
This is a 3d printing project that has been in the works for a long time. You will need to make over 150 separate parts, and this is one of the reasons why it hasn’t been completed. This is still a great project just because of how detailed and challenging it is, and if you do succeed you will have one of the most historically accurate sculptures made in recent times.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:196038
9. Three shadows object
Here’s a design made using a few simple shapes. It’s a great 3d printed cast idea that can be used to create many things like spare parts, jewelry, props, and more.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2833573
10. Beta casted Mendel parts
This is a nice-looking 3d printed cast idea, and it’s meant to be used for 3d printers. It’s a great example of what you can create with the technology, and if you need any parts it’s a good place to start.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:12077
11. Joseph and Hyrum Smith Death Masks
These have been 3d printed using the same process as the rest of the 3d printed cast ideas here, but they are no longer to be used.
Where to download: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4253000
More considerations
Are 3D printed casts cheaper?
There is no definitive answer to this question. The cost of 3d printing casts will vary depending on the provider, the type of cast, and the severity of the break. However, in most cases, 3d printing casts is cheaper than traditional casting methods.
What material is made from?
The material used in 3D printing casts is typically plaster, although other materials may be used.
How are they made?3D printed casts are made by creating a mold of the patient’s limb using a 3D printer. This mold is then used to create a plaster cast. The process of 3d printing casts is relatively quick and easy, and you should be able to go home the same day with your new cast. In most cases, the entire process takes less than two hours.
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits to using 3d printing casts, including a more comfortable fit, faster healing times, and less risk of infection.
Types of printer to use
There are a number of different types of 3D printers that can be used to print casts. Some of the most popular printers include the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer, the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printer, and the Stereolithography (SLA) printer.
Each type of printer has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.
FDM printers are the most common type of 3D printer, and they are typically the cheapest. However, they have a lower resolution than other types of printers, which means that they may not be suitable for printing complex casts.
SLS printers are more expensive than FDM printers, but they have a higher resolution. This makes them ideal for printing complex casts.
SLA printers are the most expensive type of 3D printer, but they offer the highest resolution. This makes them the best option for printing complex casts.
Conclusion
As time goes on there will be more and more 3d printed cast ideas, but you can also come up with your own. The best part of using this technology is that you’ll always have a 3d printer around so that you can make adjustments when needed.It’s not always easy to make a traditional wood or plaster mold as it’s really hard to find a accurate object for the mold.