Occupational Therapy: 3D Printing in Occupational Therapy

This webpage explores possible uses of inexpensive desktop 3D printing in occupational therapy applications. KVCC student projects are showcased, along with related outside resources.

This peer-reviewed journal article compares the cost of twenty 3D-printed assistive devices versus similar devices purchased commercially. Result: "The financial savings averaged greater than 94% compared to commercially-available products"

This peer-reviewed journal article compares the cost of ten 3D-printed assistive devices versus similar devices purchased commercially. Result: "On average, the 3D printed items were 10.5 times more cost effective than the commercially available alternative items."

Jose Delgado receives his first 3D-printed prosthetic hand (cost:$50) and compare it to a $42,000 myoelectric prosthesis.

Three years after receiving his first 3D-printed prosthetic hand, Jose Delgado a new and improved model to the previous version.

Tracy Fleming demonstrates simple 3D-printed assistive device that help people with disabilities.

e-NABLE is an online global community of volunteers using their 3D printers to make free and low-cost prosthetic upper limb devices for children and adults in need.

Makers Making Change is a group of community-based makers, disability professionals and volunteers who develop and deliver affordable open source assistive technologies.

In this annual design challenge participants make a 3D printed product or prototype that improves the day-to-day life of someone with a disability or the elderly. The challenge is for anyone with an interest in 3D design and 3D printing. There are 3 categories based on age groups – under 14, 14-18 and over 18.

Photos from the 3D Printing Design Challenge and Expo held on March 7, 2020, at KVCC. Included are photos of OTA students Karen Noe and Amelia Chambers, who displayed 3D-printed assistive devices and a custom-made dog orthosis.

This peer-reviewed journal article describes a static, four-legged walker that can be constructed from materials and fasteners commonly available from hardware stores coupled by open-source 3D-printed joints. The open-source walker design can aid accessibility in low-resource settings.

A smartphone app that takes 3D scans of real world objects. Available for Android and iOS.

A hardware attachment for the iPad that takes 3D scans of real world objects.

ActivArmor is the only waterproof, breathable, sanitizable custom plastic cast in the U.S. consumer marketplace. It empowers patients with the freedom to be able to stay safe and maintain their active lifestyles.

It is increasingly common to find 3D-printed splints to treat injuries. Do you want to know everything about 3D-printed splints? Then keep reading.

Free 3D model editing program. Good for cleaning up 3D scans and creating custom-fit braces. Available for Windows and, via the Internet Archive, for Mac.

Li, J., Tanaka, H. Rapid customization system for 3D-printed splint using programmable modeling technique – a practical approach. 3D Print Med 4, 5 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-018-0027-6

Wang Z, Dubrowski A (March 16, 2021) A Semi-Automatic Method to Create an Affordable Three-Dimensional Printed Splint Using Open-Source and Free Software. Cureus 13(3): e13934. doi:10.7759/cureus.13934

Splints and other medical and non-medical models created in response to the war in Ukraine.