MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NEWLY DEVELOPED 3D PRINTED PROSTHETIC SOCKET FROM PA12GB

Abstract

This paper is focused on the complex evaluation of the prosthetic socket (of a hand) manufactured by the usage of additive technologies. Main advantage of this method is a significantly shorter production time and lower production cost. The durability of the socket is generally between 12 and 24 months. It is caused by the atrophy of the patient's tissues and also by the mechanical loading during the usage. The laminating of the carbon fibers on the model of the internal socket is used nowadays. This method is technologically and time demanding. The newly developed production process is using the 3D printing method by the HP MultiJet Fusion 4200 printer. The considered material is HP PA12GB. It is the thermoplastic material (polyamide) with 40% of glass beads. Production of the socket is reduced to few hours. This paper consists the mechanical comparison of the laminated (old design) and the 3D printed (new design) socket. The real mechanical testing is simulating the most critical loading by impact to the edge of the table. The evaluation in terms of durability and fatigue is performed also using the software nCode and Siemens NX.