DESIGN AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF A PERSONALIZED CRANIAL ORTHOSIS
Published in GÉP 2026/3-4
https://doi.org/10.70750/GEP.2026.3-4.21
Spekker Dorina
egészségügyi mérnök MSc, Miskolci Egyetem
Dr. Bihari Zoltán
egyetemi docens, Miskolci Egyetem Gép- és Terméktervezési Intézet
ABSTRACT
The article presents the process of designing and additively manufacturing a personalized cranial orthosis for the treatment of cranial deformities in infants. The head shape was digitized using optical 3D scanning, followed by point cloud processing and geometric correction using a reverse engineering approach. The effects of two different scanning resolutions, 0.5 and 1 mm, were also analyzed. Based on the corrected geometry, a 3D orthosis model was developed according to the anatomical characteristics and therapeutic requirements. During the design process, the aspects of fit, corrective function, ventilation, fixation, manufacturability, and safety were all taken into consideration. The prototype of the completed orthosis was successfully manufactured using the SLS process with the involvement of an external industrial partner, Rehab Észak Ltd. The presented workflow demonstrates that 3D scanning, digital design, and additive manufacturing can be effectively applied to the production of medical devices with customized geometries.
