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3D Medical Printing

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3D Medical Printing

Read the case study, inspect the production data, and use evidence to evaluate a 3D-printed medical device. Answer each question in the space provided.

Case study: A hand designed for Jamal

Jamal is a teenager who needs a prosthetic hand for everyday activities. A clinic uses a 3D scan of her residual limb to help design a socket that fits her shape. A computer model is checked by a prosthetist, then a printer builds the device in layers using a suitable plastic. The team tests the fit and movement before Jamal uses it. If she grows or the design needs adjusting, some parts may be redesigned and printed again. A printed device is not automatically safe: materials, strength, fit, cleaning, and clinical testing all matter. 3D printing can make some custom parts quickly, but it does not print a complete working human hand or replace medical expertise. Printed organ models can help surgeons plan procedures, but they are models, not transplantable living organs.

1.Using the case study, put these stages in the order they happen by writing 1–4 beside each: print the parts; scan and model the fit; test the device; check the digital model.

2.Why can a 3D scan be useful when designing Jamal’s prosthetic socket?

It helps the team make a model shaped for her body.
It proves the finished device will never break.
It replaces the need for fitting and testing.
It prints the device instantly without a design.

3.A classmate says, “Because it is 3D-printed, Jamal’s prosthetic is guaranteed to fit perfectly and never need maintenance.” Give two reasons this claim is not supported by the case study.

Method

Estimated cost

Production time

Conventional custom fabrication

$120

5 days

3D-printed prototype

$45

2 days

4.Using the table, calculate how much less the 3D-printed prototype costs than conventional fabrication. Show your subtraction.

5.The prototype takes fewer days to produce than the conventional option. State one possible benefit of that shorter production time and one important limitation of the data.

6.Use the case study to decide whether each statement is true or false. Write true or false for each: (a) A printed organ model can help a surgeon plan a procedure. (b) A printed model is the same as a transplantable living organ. (c) A device must be checked for safety and fit before use.

7.A rural clinic is considering buying a 3D printer to make some custom medical devices locally. Identify one potential access benefit and two things the clinic would need to ensure before patients use printed devices.

8.Suggest one feature for a 3D-printed prosthetic accessory that could help a user with a specific everyday task. Explain how the feature would help and name one test the design team should perform before use.