How ActivArmor's 3D Scanning and Printing Works
Clinics have been leveraging ActivArmor’s 3D printing technology for over a decade to provide patients with a better casting experience and differentiate from providers that only offer traditional and outdated casting methods. ActivArmor’s proprietary technology offers patients 3D printed cast for broken bones, sprains and chronic injuries. In addition to these competitive advantages, ActivArmor’s technology is easy to learn and implement, creating a quick turnaround time for new providers.
How ActivArmor 3D Scanning Works
ActivArmor’s 3D digital scan uses True Depth cameras from an iPhone X and newer to capture an accurate full-color image of a patient’s limb to be fitted for a custom orthosis.
Preparing for a 3D scan:
Clinicians use a washable marker to draw directly onto the patient's skin where they want the cut lines of the device to be (eg. length, how low in the palm, etc). The clinician can also mark to identify any areas to offset (eg. incisions or bony protrusions) or to expose high-tech healing options (eg. bone and muscle stimulators, ultrasound, NMES and TENS units, and biomonitors).
The clinician also takes a few manual measurements for quality control in order to confirm the scan as well as give providers autonomy in determining how tight or loose the device will be in the key fitment points, such as ankle, wrist and palm.
How to perform a 3D scan:
The scan is a touch-free, painless, safe, one-minute process. Whichever position the provider places the patient’s limb during the scan is exactly how the device will come out - to fit exactly to the patient's native anatomy. Using the ActivArmor app, the clinician circles the patient’s limb so the camera can capture and create a 3D model of the scan that is sent to ActivArmor’s clinically proven design software for generation of a custom device specifically for that individual. The design file is then sent to a 3D printer for fabrication.
How ActivArmor 3D Printing Works
ActivArmor devices can be printed on any 3D printer using multiple types of materials. For clinics new to 3D printing, ActivArmor provides a full turnkey, plug-and-play system. The printer we recommend is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology that takes biocompatible plastic and melts it, extruding the material into the exact shape of the orthosis device in a matter of hours. The printer is self-contained with internal HEPA filters, making it safe for clinical use. Once the device is printed, the clinician performs minimal finishing work to smooth off any stray plastic or rough spots before fitting it to the patient.
Bring ActivArmor Technology to Your Office
Leverage ActivArmor’s 3D scanning, design and printing technology to bring modern solutions to traditional casting problems, providing your patients with a more comfortable, effective and engaging recovery experience.
