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Digital Technologies for Splints Manufacturing

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Proceedings of the 38th International MATADOR Conference (MATADOR 2015)

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Abstract

This paper will detail a proposed methodology for utilising digital technology for orthotic production, specifically for Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFOs) used to treat children with prolonged plantar flexion. Splints created by traditional methods from thermoplastic materials involve long, labour-intensive and messy production which is highly dependent on the skill of the clinician. An orthotic produced by digital means can be made lighter, with more ventilation and greater aesthetic appeal than existing splints. The stages of production to which digital technology can be applied include surface capture, data processing, design and production. A novel production methodology has been established and a functioning prototype has been created as a proof of concept. The methodology proposed is unique when compared to existing studies for the digital production of orthotics as it focuses on practical implementation and ease of use so that it may be applied to the Mass Customisation of orthotics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Auckland, 20 Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand

    E. M. Meisel, P. A. Daw, X. Xu & R. Patel

Authors
  1. E. M. Meisel
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  2. P. A. Daw
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  3. X. Xu
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  4. R. Patel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to X. Xu .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Srichand Hinduja

  2. School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Paulo Jorge da Silva Bartolo

  3. School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Lin Li

  4. Department of Automation Engineering, National Formosa University, Huwei, Yunlin, Taiwan

    Wen-Yuh Jywe

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Meisel, E.M., Daw, P.A., Xu, X., Patel, R. (2022). Digital Technologies for Splints Manufacturing. In: Hinduja, S., da Silva Bartolo, P.J., Li, L., Jywe, WY. (eds) Proceedings of the 38th International MATADOR Conference. MATADOR 2015. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64943-6_33

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64943-6_33

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-64942-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-64943-6

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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