DOST looking into nanocomposite filaments as material for 3D-printed prosthetics

The Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has tapped nanocomposite filaments as material for 3D-printed prosthetics.

In the latest feature of “Game Changer” on “24 Oras” on Friday, project leader Mariano Margarito said that 3D-printed prosthetics are more affordable and sustainable than conventional prosthetics, which cost around P40,000 to P180,000.

“With 3D printing technology, kaya nating itong gawin sa isang araw, dalawang araw lang. And mapapababa yung presyo ng hanggang ¼ ng original price ng mga conventional na pamamaraan,” he said.

(With 3D printing technology, we can produce prosthetics within only a day or two. We can also cut the price by ¼ of the price of the conventional prosthetics.)

The nanocomposite filaments have a polymer base, which is a kind of plastic, and are mixed with nanoclay—microscopic particles that strengthen the overall structure of the product without adding weight.

The researchers use a 3D scanner to get the exact measurements for the prosthetics. The scanning usually takes between five and ten minutes.

Once the scanned file is uploaded to the computer, it will be analyzed, and the prosthetics will be printed.

This innovation was presented during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States early this year.

Margarito said that he and his team are currently coordinating with other agencies to formulate the proper standards for 3D printing of prosthetics.

“Kaya i-avail ng mga mamamayan, kahit saang lupalop ng Pilipinas o ng mundo, na may 3D printer,” he said.

(The public can actually avail themselves of them, regardless of where they are in the Philippines or in the globe, as long as they have a 3D printer.)  — Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News