Paige's new 3d printed arm

In May 2016, 3Design was approached by a woman who was searching for a company to 3D print a prosthetic arm for her daughter Paige, who was born without her right hand and forearm. We are a 3D printing studio located in Tauranga, New Zealand, and we had never attempted something like this before. The project was ambitious, and despite our uncertainty over whether we could make the prosthetic, the possibility of helping Paige in any way we could was an opportunity we couldn’t turn away.

Two weeks later, Paige and her mother Genevieve travelled down from Auckland to visit our studio. My business partner and technical director of 3Design, Chad Vorwerk, measured and scanned her left arm and duplicated it into a CAD file so he could start designing her an attachment for her missing forearm and hand on her right arm.

 


designing her an attachment for her missing forearm and hand on her right arm.


Before starting the design, we searched the internet for any files that may be available to download to save time and money. We came across a website called enabling the future that had a number of pre-designed prosthetic limbs ready to download. After spending 80-90 hours printing all the pieces out and assembling it this was the result.





Two weeks ago, we sent Paige’s new arm to her, which was quickly followed by this message from her mother on Facebook.

  

“My daughter was born without her right hand. After my mother in law was just looking online, Rob from 3Design contacted us to arrange a visit/discussion. They were extremely patient while they took measurements & scans of her arm. Not only did they make an amazing arm, they also made it in her favourite colours and at no cost. She is so excited to experience the use of both arms, we cannot thank Rob and Chad enough. A video of what she can do will follow soon. Thank you so much guys, what an awesome company!!!”

We’d like to thank Paige and her family for giving us the opportunity to attempt something we’d never done before. The smile on her face shows how the advancement of 3D printing technology can be life changing.



- Robert Reid, 3Design Managing Director
www.3dinnovation.co.nz

What is rapid prototyping

What is rapid prototyping? 

Rapid Prototyping (RP) can be defined as a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a part or assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data. What is commonly considered to be the first RP technique, Stereolithography, was developed by 3D Systems of Valencia, CA, USA. The company was founded in 1986, and since then, a number of different RP techniques have become available

Rapid prototyping

Rapid Prototyping has also been referred to as solid free-form manufacturing, computer automated manufacturing, and layered manufacturing. RP has obvious use as a vehicle for visualization. In addition, RP models can be used for testing, such as when an airfoil shape is put into a wind tunnel. RP models can be used to create male models for tooling, such as silicone rubber molds and investment casts. In some cases, the RP part can be the final part, but typically the RP material is not strong or accurate enough. When the RP material is suitable, highly convoluted shapes (including parts nested within parts) can be produced because of the nature of RP.

FDM (Fused deposit modelling)

Rapid Prototyping

FDM is an additives' manufacturing process where plastic filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle. This extruded plastic is precisely placed layer upon layer to create a 3 dimensional model. With a large amount of materials available such as ABS, PLA, polycarbonate, polyamides, polystyrene, lignin, among many others, there are different trade-offs between strength and temperature properties.

Prototyping with materials like PLA can be used for lost-wax (investment) castings. Reducing mould manufacturing time by creating accurate models with the tree assembly in one process, removing the need to create individual art moulds getting your product to the market quicker with reduced cost. PLA is rigid and aesthetically smooth making it great for small end parts and prototype components that must not flex.

ABS plastic has great strength and flexibility for creating working prototypes. It has good impact strength and is dimensionally very accurate.

SLA (Stereolithography)

Rapid Prototyping

SLA is a rapid prototyping process that uses a vat of liquid UV-curable photopolymer resin and a UV laser to build parts one layer at a time. SLA rapid prototyping is a great process for concept models, master patterns and tradeshow models.

Maximum dimensions available: 635mm x 635mm x 533mm

SLS (Selective laser sintering)

Rapid Prototyping

A rapid prototyping process that uses a high power laser to fuse small particles of powder to build parts one layer at a time. SLS rapid prototyping is a great process for functional testing and for low volume manufacturing.

SLS is ideal for durable, functional parts with a variety of applications. SLS is capable of producing snap fits and living hinges.

Maximum dimension available: 711mm x 482mm x 482mm.

CNC milling

Rapid Prototyping

Subtractive modelling uses CNC machines to remove material to achieve a 3 dimensional part. This process can be used for both prototyping and end part manufacture. Items can be produced in almost any material making the parts suitable for real life applications including product validations and testing. This process is more suited to the final design stages as manufacture can be expensive.

Colour InkJet printing

Rapid Prototyping

Colour InkJet Printing (CJP) is an additive manufacturing technology which involves two major components – core and binder. The Core™ material is spread in thin layers over the build platform with a roller. After each layer is spread, colour binder is selectively jetted from inkjet print heads over the core layer, which causes the core to solidify. The build platform lowers with every subsequent layer which is spread and printed, resulting in a full-colour three-dimensional model.

Whether printed with colour or in standard white, parts can be additionally clear coated to add a hard smooth coating or wax coated to smooth out the surface finish.

Maximum dimensions available: 381mm x 304mm x 254mm

for information on 3dprinting see our website 

3design .pinterest

3D design pinterest

We empower people to create designs that enrich their life and to share their sense of beauty with the people around them, by adding unique touches to their environment, by creating a truly personal gift for the ones they love, by taking the opportunity to crystallize ideas they can truly be proud of.

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From Design to reality. Let 3Design help you along the way! Pinterest is a visual discovery tool that you can use to find ideas for all your projects

for more information click here 

3D PRINTING SERVICES IN AUCKLAND

3D PRINTING SERVICES IN AUCKLAND

3D printing in Auckland, New Zealand is a rapid and cost effective way to make demonstration models, produce sales mock-ups and complete operational prototypes. The 3D printing services offered in Auckland make your prototype or model get printed in the size, colour and material that you choose and make sure your requirement is delivered as fast as possible anywhere in New Zealand.

3D printers are an extremely innovative device that can print your imagination into a solid object. New Zealand is acclaimed for providing excellent 3D printing services. 3D printing enables one to have both tangible and intangible objects right in front of you delivered over internet. This new type of digital manufacturing capability has helped many to realize their aspirations in physical form.

The 3D printing services that are offered include making an idea become real by taking note of your imagination and then putting into the size and material of your desire, scan your item or redesign your idea, provide printing workshops which will assist you on the techniques and procedures of 3D printing, and print your project designs in plastic as well.3D printers are available in and around Auckland which you can purchase for your company and use them to materialize your design requirements. They sell 3D printers and also provide free training to the buyers.

The variety of things that can be 3D printed include car parts, gears, pulleys, sewing machines, fan belts, food processors, power tools etc. The services also include scanning quite a reasonably sized device to produce miniature of that device to be used for marketing purposes or as souvenirs.Despite the fact that 3D printing enables a large number of ideas to materialize, the cost of this is extremely competitive and is customized to suit your budget requirements.

The printing results are aesthetic and dimensionally precise. Among the various three dimensional printing services there are a few techniques that have become very famous across Christchurch, New Zealand. These include; Stereo lithography, fused deposit modelling, Selective laser sintering, MultiJet Printing, ColorInkJet Printing, CNC Milling.

There are 5 major steps through which 3D printing takes place:
Upload your 3D design or file for checking before production.
Search for the 3D printing hub from where you want your printing to be done. There are varieties of places where 3D printing is done. You can choose the place that is near to your location.
Choose the right material, colour and size that you want your design to materialize into.
Place the order to the hub you have chosen.
Make the required payment.
Collect your item when the hub informs that it is ready or make them deliver your item to your doorstep.

3D printing services in Auckland are absolutely reasonable and they make sure that you are completely satisfied with the miniature of your design. Their goal is to provide you with the best quality printing services ever.

3Design offer Consultancy

3Design offers 3D print services in-house on a file by file basis. If you are a business, individual or student who is looking for a rapid prototyping service with quick turnaround and costs that won't break your budget, get in touch with us!

3Design can take 3D CAD files in .stl format, and turn them into solid objects. We work with architects, engineers, product designers, fashion designers and more... (the list is endless as people find new ways to use this technology) to make their designs come to life.

Our commitment to customers is guaranteeing you the best solution, at the lowest cost of ownership for your requirements along with the expertise to help develop and sustain your competitive edge. We pride ourselves on providing an unrivalled service in solution delivery and to enable rapid return on investment.

Whatever it is you need, 3Design can walk you through the procedures, give you sound advice and point you in the right direction. Whether it is finding a manufacturer for your prototype or just giving advice on how to develop an idea into an end product ready to sell, 3Design is here to help you!

We also provide a 3Dprinting bureau and 3Dprinters, as well as consumables, support and maintenance.

Contact Details

Technical Director email: design@3dinnovation.co.nz

Managing Director email: robert@3dinnovation.co.nz

Showroom hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm

Open weekends by appointment only.

Road front showroom:
74c Maleme Street
Greerton
Tauranga 3112
New Zealand

3D print with us

Over the past two years we have developed our 3d printing studio and systems, selling desk top 3dprinters to consumers was our main focus in the early stages of our business but the services and design soon become a big part of what we offer as whole. here are some examples of what we have achieved this year.

Jacks Machinery Owner, Steve Jacks tendered 3Design Ltd. to reproduce a bearing case from a piece of

farming equipment. The farming manufacturer's only replacement option was to purchase a multiple component encasing in which costs were running around $3500 dollars.Since the only part to wear and brake was the bearing casing, Steve was looking for an alternative to reduce costs. 3Design Ltd. drafted up the model using a used broken portion of the casing and printed the design for testing purposes. After a few revisions, we were able to produce the part for under $50, saving Jack’s Machinery thousands.

Printstock Gear set

Determined to turn an older printing machine into a newer metric setup. Our client approached us

to replicated and modify the gear set for timing the print cycle. These are now being printed on the

Mankati Fullscale XT Plus in PLA and are producing accurate results, withstanding the necessary

loading. A perfect example of minimising costs and time of by using 3D printing technology.

Usabus

Bracket.Old buses usually have many parts that have become obsolete or hard to get. This particular item breaks regularly and is hard get. With reverse engineering using our Next Engine 3D scanner we

were able to replicated the bracket and print it. With the digital file readily at hand there is no need

to carry spares. Simply press print when the need arises.

Tattoo Machines

This has been a labour of love for a local tattoo machine manufacturer. We embarked on this

journey with him to create a new look machine with amazing adaptability in a very close knit

community of tattoo artists. With every millimetre being precious we were able to create a great

looking machine with the functionality of high end machines. With great balance and size this will

rival some of the smallest light weight machines available. This has been printed in titanium to

reduce weight speed up development time and reduce the cost of small run CNC. More detail can’t be revealed due to manor in which this performs and launch being close at hand. But watch this space.

3Dprinters for sale New Zealand

3D printing machines nz

3Design supply some of New Zealand's most affordable 3Dprinters from light commercial grade to small compact printers that can be used right out of the box. Perfect for beginners and experts alike. Just plug in the printer, download or create models, hit print and watch your custom creations form right before your eyes.

CreatBot DM 3DPrinter

CreatBot DM has  19 litre- 250 x 250 x 300mm build volume and 0.04mm print resolution, high speed a fairly priced 3DPrinter. *All Metal Chassis* 3Design Creatbot Metal Frame   The 3D printer requires a certain weight to insure the stable operation, so a metal chassis is the best choice for a 3Dprinter. All the CreatBot 3D printers use...

View the CreatBot DM 3DPrinter

Wanhao Duplicator 4X

*Wanhao Duplicator 4X - print with power!* This state of the art dual head 3Dprinter has been trialled and proven over many on the market today. Over the past nine months we have trialled many different printers and this printer has come out on top. We have just become dealers for Wanhao 3dprinters in New...

View the Wanhao Duplicator 4X

Wanhao Duplicator i3 V2

The Duplicator i3 V2 is based on the revolutionary work of reprap core developer Josef Prusa. Wanhao is proud to introduce an entry-level 3Dprinter targeted at customers who want to begin 3Dprinting without having to build a kit. This is a pre-assembled steel frame Prusa i3...the best-selling reprap in 3Dprinting!  Amongst the features packed neatly into...

View the Wanhao Duplicator i3 V2

To learn more about the all the  available printers we have check out our website