Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been used in the healthcare field in order to create devices that improve the lives of patients. In occupational therapy, this technology is being used to create splints and adaptive devices that allow patients to heal and better perform tasks in their everyday life. Some of the benefits of 3D printing is that allows devices to be created faster and cheaper than traditional treatment methods. The purpose of this project was to determine how feasible it would be to buy a 3D printer and use it to print open-source assistive devices that could be used by potential clients. This project describes the start to finish process of using the FlashForge Finder printer to print twelve different devices, including writing aids, typing aids, bottle openers, and key turners. The cost analysis of the project reveals that each device costs under one dollar to print and only takes up to a few hours. The results of this study show that an entry-level printer is fairly easy to use and can be a beneficial tool for an occupational therapist. Some of the limitations of this project included a small print area and the ability to only print using one material.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 2019

Mentor

Julie Duckart

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Occupational Therapy

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