Shapeways, a manufacturer of 3D printed goods and Electro Optical Systems (EOS), a technology business focused on the industrial 3D printing of metals and polymers have joined together to present a market-ready solution for orthosis and prosthesis.
Shapeways, a manufacturer of 3D printed goods, has become one of the first suppliers in the industry that is able to offer and supply market-ready orthosis and prosthesis to designers and businesses of all sizes.
This is made possible as a result of the ongoing partnership between EOS and Shapeways. EOS was one of the first Additive Manufacturing (AM) brands to partner with Shapeways at its launch in 2007
PA11 is a bio-degradable, nylon material known for its elastic and impact resistant properties. PA11, which is derived from castor oil is now being made available to customers by Shapeways as part of the expansion in to the orthosis and prosthesis market.
Shapeways believe creating medically-proven solutions with PA11 will impact the 3D printing industry by bringing the 3D technology to the production of customised medical enhancements for those in need. Additionally, selective laser sintered PA11 is believed to be one of the fastest growing markets for AM.
Its strength and flexibility mean that PA11 material has many potential uses, and is suited to aerospace and electronics. Whilst the ductility and high elongation at break also qualify the material for a range of industry applications such as automotive, medical and other high-performance uses.
PA11 is suitable for high-impact customised parts such as prosthesis, braces, insoles and other exterior medical needs, and is a popular choice for active and wearable goods as it is able to snap to fit parts and hinges. Although naturally white in colour, the material can be dyed to any desired colour.
“Expanding our reach to the medical industry to make life-changing enhancements available is something we could have only imagined when we first opened our doors,” said Greg Kress, CEO of Shapeways. “This is what the 3D Printing industry has been working towards and making it available to businesses of all sizes is a real dream.”
Glynn Fletcher, president of EOS North America stated, “collaborating with the industry visionaries at Shapeways has always felt like a privilege. Working together to combine their expertise and our technology with an eco-friendly polymer breakthrough seems like an appropriate extension to our complementary pioneering attitude.
“PA11 has the potential to transform how the medical industry can use 3D printing to improve patient outcomes. It has the additional benefit of lowering the negative, ecological effects that are generally associated with petroleum based plastics. We are proud to be part of the venture and look forward to seeing how far the technology, materials and collaboration can take us.”