A Cost-Effective Analysis of 3D Printing Applications in Occupational Therapy Practice

Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

卷:9

关键词: adaptive equipment;    assistive device;    technology;   

DOI  :  https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1751

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: Emerging research supports 3D printing can provide customizable, low-cost, and replicable items for application in occupational therapy, but more research is necessary to inform occupational therapists on why and how 3D printing would be applicable and feasible in practice.Method: This study is a cost-effective analysis aimed to identify practical considerations of a selection of 3D printed items in comparison to commercially available items. Ten items of adaptive equipment were downloaded from open-sourced 3D printing design websites and printed. The estimated cost of material was calculated and each print time was recorded. Items with comparable design and function were selected from a thorough internet search for analysis and comparison to the 3D printed items.Results: The results demonstrate that each 3D printed item had a positive benefit in terms of material cost and print time compared to the cost and shipping time of each comparable item.Conclusion: The 3D printed items were the more cost-effective for all items, but most significantly for niche designs with fewer available commercial alternatives. 3D printing successfully replicated commonly used adaptive equipment for a comparable cost, while allowing for customization and the ability to provide the item in-house to clients.

【 授权许可】

Unknown