In the world of healthcare, CAD CAM orthopedic technology has paved the way for a new era of customization and precision.
By combining 3D scanners, advanced design software and precise manufacturing techniques, this innovative approach allows practitioners to create highly quality devices. Key materials such as polypropylene, Programmable Foam® or VarioShore TPU play a critical role in this process, ensuring that devices are not only functional but also comfortable and durable.
They are carefully selected for their unique properties to enhance the overall patient experience. Through the seamless integration of CAD/CAM and these specialized materials, the future of personalized orthopedic care is more promising than ever.
Understanding CAD/CAM
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) starts with the use of digital tools to scan the patient’s body.
3D scanners for customized devices
Orthopedic 3D scanners are imaging devices that capture precise three dimensional representations of a patient’s anatomy. These scanners facilitate the creation of tailored devices by providing detailed measurements and contour data.
Moreover, you can also personalize your application to better meet the specific needs of your practice or organization.
Why customize your app ?
Custom your app by incorporating your unique branding elements, such as your company logo and colors which helps reinforce your identity. Additionally, you can modify fields and features within the app to align with your workflow and operational requirements, making it more intuitive and efficient for your team.
Then, by using CAD software, practitioners can design devices made for the patient’s anatomy to ensure optimal fit and function.
Understanding CAD software
Orthopedic CAD software allows practitioners to design custom devices with precision and efficiency. By allowing for detailed visualization and adjustments, design software streamlines the workflow from initial design to final product, ensuring tailored solutions for each patient’s needs.
Once the design is ready, CAM takes over to create the device with high precision.
The help of milling machine in creating devices
In this process, milling machines are used to shape materials into complex forms needed for orthopedic devices. These machines produce highly accurate and durable components, such as custom braces, by employing advanced cutting techniques and tools.
Another CAM technology for orthotics and prosthetics
In fact, O&P carvers streamline the production of orthotics and prosthetics by precisely shaping foam for instance. This ensures rapid prototyping and accurate replication of patient-specific designs, improving efficiency and patient outcomes.
In recent years, this seamless process has made CAD/CAM a valuable asset in creating solutions that meet each patient’s needs. The level of customization achievable is major in this sector, where even small adjustments can significantly impact comfort and effectiveness. For patients, this means a better experience, one that is more comfortable and supportive for their daily activities. On the other hand, this means that brands have to integrate digital technology into their processes.
The integration of CAD/CAM technology
Brands are now leading the way in integrating CAD/CAM solutions. With advanced software and essential digital equipment, they are able to optimize and streamline their processes for creating custom devices.
Key materials used
The choice of material in orthopedic devices is crucial, as it affects durability, flexibility, weight and other factors that directly influence patient comfort, recovery and overall quality of life. Several have become essential in CAD/CAM processes due to their suitability for the specific demands.
- Polypropylene is one of the cornerstone materials thanks to its exceptional balance of properties suited to the demands of patient care.
Its key attributes include :
- Lightweight and durable: with its low density, polypropylene is ideal for creating lightweight devices such as braces, splints, and prostheses. Despite its lightness, it offers excellent impact resistance, ensuring long-term durability even under frequent use.
- Flexibility and skin-friendliness: polypropylene’s ability to flex without cracking is vital for devices that need to accommodate body movements. Its smooth surface helps reduce friction, lowering the chance of skin irritation or rubbing during extended wear.
- Hygienic and eco-friendly: It’s easy to clean, resists bacteria and meets high medical hygiene standards. It also supports sustainable manufacturing practices, helping to minimize its environmental impact.
These attributes make polypropylene a versatile and patient-centered choice for orthopedic solutions.
- Programmable Foam® represents another cutting-edge innovation in orthopedic technology leveraging the potential of 3D printing and bio-compatible soft TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) to deliver unparalleled adaptability and comfort.
Its distinct features include:
- Customizable hardness: precise control over firmness levels allows practitioners to tailor support to individual patient needs.
- Pressure relief and ergonomic support: the material’s 3D lattice structure distributes pressure evenly, minimizing strain on sensitive areas.
- Sustainability: the 3D printing process minimizes waste and the material is environmentally friendly, supporting green manufacturing practices.
Programmable Foam® properties are particularly advantageous for creating devices designed for long-term use, providing a superior combination of comfort, functionality and sustainability.
- VarioShore TPU represents a remarkable advancement with cutting-edge foaming technology to create an adaptable, lightweight and customizable material for diverse applications.
Its unique characteristics include:
– Variable hardness: the material’s shore hardness can be precisely adjusted offering unparalleled control over softness and rigidity to meet specific application requirements.
– Reduced weight and density: through active foaming at elevated temperatures (200–250°C), varioShore TPU expands to 1.4–1.6 times its original volume, achieving densities as low as 0.7–0.9 g/cm³. This reduction in material weight is ideal for lightweight and soft printed parts.
– Ecological awareness: the efficient use of foaming technology promotes a sustainable, waste-friendly process.
Each material used in CAD/CAM production brings unique benefits allowing practitioners to choose the right one based on the needs of the patient and the type of device being produced.
CAD/CAM technologies are reshaping the landscape of orthopedics, enabling the production of highly customized and efficient devices. Elements used in this process such as polypropylene, programmable foam® or VarioShore TPU play a pivotal role in determining the performance and patient outcomes of these devices.
Read also:
What is CAD/CAM ?
The environmental impact of CAD/CAM manufacturing in orthopedics
The role of 3D printing in orthopedics
The patient journey: from CAD/CAM design to recovery
Benefits of CAD/CAM in custom orthopedics
Comparing traditional vs. CAD/CAM methods in orthopedics
Global perspectives on CAD/CAM in orthopedics
CAD/CAM in pediatric orthopedics