Romans Ferrari Pediatric Rehabilitation Center and 3DZ have partnered on a pilot project to increase the advancement of 3D printing in the medical field
3D printing is making increasing progress in medical applications, among others. in October 2022, the Romans Ferrari Pediatric Rehabilitation Center partnered with 3DZ on a pilot project to increase the advancement of 3D printing in the medical field, Mohou.com understands. 3DZ is a Castelfranco Veneto (TV) based 3D 3DZ is a Castelfranco Veneto (TV) based 3D printer distribution company and has extensive experience in the field, 3DZ has used 3D printers to produce facial orthotics that can help treat children with facial burns.
Romans Ferrari is a pediatric rehabilitation facility that has been treating children with severe burns for many years. The company's goal with 3DZ was to find a more convenient way to make orthotics for treating facial burns. To make a facial orthosis using the traditional method, a facial impression must be taken and then a perfectly flexible replica of the mask is made from the impression. In this method, the face is molded with a strip of plaster applied directly to the skin, which can cause some damage to a person's skin, especially the delicate and sensitive skin of children.
△ 3D printed burn treatment Photo credit: 3DZ
As a result, 3DZ and Romans Ferrari decided to collaborate to make a facial orthosis that would be less invasive and more efficient to produce. Essentially, the companies replaced the plaster model with a 3D scan of the patient's face. With the 3D scanner, they were able to obtain all the details of the patient's face without touching the skin.
The technicians then use a scan-based 3D printer to create the prosthesis, making it non-invasive and more precise. Using this scanner, the operator can perform a 3D scan of the child's face, which is a highly accurate 3D photograph; the scanned file is then processed using Geomagic Freeform software to create the correct shape of the face. Finally, a facial orthotic silicone device is printed using Formlabs' Fuse 1 3D printer and placed inside the facial orthotic, capable of massaging the burned area and promoting wound healing.
△ Facial scanner (Photo credit: Artec3D)
More effective burn treatment with 3D printing
The pilot project was completed at the beginning of 2022 and achieved excellent results, taking credit for the collaboration between 3DZ and Romans Ferrari at the Global Industry Trade Show, the most important event for the French industrial sector. As a result, the French medical center decided to use 3D printed masks instead of the old plaster casting method. "For several years, we have dreamed of creating molds for therapeutic use without having to come into direct contact with the patient's burned skin." said Christophe Debat, director of the Ferrari Rome Center. "The application developed by Romans Ferrari is a very promising project for the benefit of people." Patrick Ferraris, Director of 3DZ France, adds.
