Manufacturing process of mechanical prosthesis by additive manufacture

Abstract

This article aims to bring details about the manufacturing process of a mechanical prosthesis using additive manufacturing, known as 3D printing, applied for individuals who were born with congenital malformation or for those who have lost one or several body parts. As will be shown, this technic is a viable alternative to produce low cost devices, with customization and an ease to manufacture solution, saving time while maintain its strength, lightweight and endurance features. It was observed during the elaboration of this article that this is a relatively new technology and it has a few roadblocks. Even though, in the past ten years, its popularity has increased and became easier to access for low income people, specially through NGO’s and open source platforms that enable the production of equipment and parts by subject with little technical knowledge in the area, so this productive process proved feasible for the design of prostheses that have unknown financial questioning but also generating social inclusion and self-sufficiency for these people.