ActivArmor's 3D Design Process

It may be time to leave traditional casts in the past. ActivArmor’s 3D printing medical devices have a variety of benefits such as being waterproof, improving patient mobility, helping with patient compliance, improving hygiene and much more. 

Today, let’s take a look at ActivArmor’s design process to realize that the benefit isn’t just for patients and their healing journeys but also for physicians and clinics aiming to cut down on the time and increase the ease of the casting process. 

The Process Begins With A Scan

With traditional plaster and fiberglass casts, an extended time may be dedicated to the casting process. Issues with plaster drying, customizing or padding concerns can require extra time dedicated to casting and eventually re-casting. Specialized medical devices may require extensive measurements that have opportunities for error. 

ActivArmor’s 3D printing medical devices, on the other hand, are made from scans that can be taken by any iPhone. This helpful app easily creates 3D scans through pictures of the injured area. The app indicates when it is receiving good information that will lead to proper scans, severely limiting the dreaded issues of the traditional casting process. 

ActivArmor’s 3D printing medical devices manage to be loved by patients and providers alike for their comfort, functionality, and ease of creation. And it all starts with the easy-to-perform, highly accurate scan which, on average, takes only 30 seconds. 

Once completed, the scans can now be used to create fully customizable medical devices. 

Custom Fabrication With 3D Printing Medical Devices 

ActivArmor’s software allows for easy customization. Simply upload the scans and select the type of cast or medical device your patient needs. While the scans are accurate, self-taken measurements are also taken to compensate for any patient movement during the scan and to give providers autonomy in determining the fit at key touch points.

The software allows for complete visualizations of incisions, scarring, or anything else that should be noted and considered in creating a fully personalized medical device. At any moment, you can choose the size, shape, and location of any holes or markings. 

The customization and design process take mere minutes, but they have the added benefit of being able to go back and readjust anything with a simple click of a button. 

Now It’s Time To Print

3D printers utilize the uploaded scan and customized mockup to create casts and medical devices that are lightweight, hygienic, waterproof and have unlimited design options. The whole printing process takes mere hours. 

While this is longer than an initial casting process with plaster and fiberglass, ActivArmor’s 3D printed medical devices are ventilated and easily adjustable, meaning they save staff and physicians time over the long run. Additionally, ActivArmor does not require re-casting in case of medical exams or unplanned visits due to cast complications like soggy casts.

With changes in edema in acute injuries, as well as changes in atrophy over time, casts will almost always require adjustments in order to maintain proper immobilization. With traditional plaster and fiberglass, this can only be done with a cast saw and an entirely new cast is applied. They may even lead to significant issues because of their inflexibility and lack of customization. They must also be sawed off and replaced for every exam and x-ray. 3D printed casts are removable, reusable and adjustable, not only helping save time but also medical waste. They also improve patient comfort, and the ability to observe the skin for swelling and make adjustments helps avoid or eliminate severe issues such as compartment syndrome. 

These benefits are seen because 3D printed medical devices allow for the greatest of customizations meaning patients receive a completely bespoke, unique-to-their-anatomy cast or medical device. 

ActivArmor Is For Anyone

As you can now see, the process for a 3D printed medical device from ActivArmor is incredibly simple: scan the target area, upload the scan and then customize and print. 

While being an ActivArmor partner offers great benefits such as easier access and cast delivery times due to an on-site printer, any physician can help their patients achieve the many benefits of a 3D printed medical device and provide the latest in custom care.