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Modeling and Strength Calculations of Parts Made Using 3D Printing Technology and Mounted in a Custom-Made Lower Limb
Szczepan Śpiewak1, Wiktoria Wojnicz2, Jan Awrejcewicz3
1Institute of Mechanics and Machine Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, Czestochowa University of Technology, ul. Dabrowskiego 73, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2024
Summary
This study demonstrates that 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) elements are suitable for custom lower limb rehabilitation exoskeletons. Experimental and finite element analysis confirmed the load-bearing capacity of these 3D-printed components.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Custom exoskeletons are crucial for lower limb rehabilitation.
- Traditional manufacturing methods can be costly and time-consuming for custom designs.
- Advancements in 3D printing offer potential for personalized assistive devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components in a custom lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton prototype.
- To assess the mechanical properties and load-bearing capacity of 3D-printed ABS elements.
- To integrate experimental material testing with finite element method (FEM) analysis for design validation.
Main Methods:
- Design and construction of a custom lower limb exoskeleton prototype.
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for 3D printing ABS components.
- Experimental material testing of ABS.
- Finite element analysis (FEA) incorporating orthotropic material properties of ABS.
Main Results:
- The study successfully designed and constructed an exoskeleton prototype incorporating 3D-printed ABS elements.
- Experimental testing provided data on the mechanical behavior of the ABS material.
- Finite element models, utilizing orthotropic material properties, were developed and analyzed to predict performance under load.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed ABS elements demonstrate potential for use in the load-bearing structures of custom lower limb rehabilitation exoskeletons.
- The integration of material testing and FEA provides a robust methodology for validating novel mechanical designs.
- This research supports the use of additive manufacturing for creating functional and personalized rehabilitation devices.
