Boundless Digital: a new innovative approach to custom bracing
Since we re-branded our practice in 2014, one of our main strategic initiatives has been to change how we create these bracing solutions and move how we do this into the digital world.
Recently we brought this vision to reality by making significant investments in our practice and developing key partnerships.
We are now incorporating this new approach by implementing a new and innovative digital tool chain.
Most importantly, we have brought Hewlett-Packard’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology in-house, into a newly created Boundless space.
See our other 3D related pages
3D Consulting & Printing Services
Overview of MJF Technology
Submit a Quote for Print
Research, development and testing
We are currently performing a study looking at the effectiveness of our digitally produced braces on our clients and submitting grants with our partners to engage in continued and further research.
Good for the environment
We are reducing our environmental footprint by significantly reducing our waste of plaster, plastics and casting materials by 3D printing devices.
An engaging new space
Boundless has created a new modern and cool space to facilitate not only engagement with our professional colleagues but also for our clients and their families.
Check out our expanded facility,
what we have developed and what we’re working on.
Key steps to make our digital transformation a reality:
1. Digital Shape Capture/Scanning
Post client assessment, a digital shape capture process is implemented to obtain a 3D digital file. This scan is obtained by using 3D scanner hardware and accompanying software that facilitates the capture of 3D image and produces a digital file that is then processed for various imperfections that most often occur during the scan capture process. There are various hardware and software combinations available for this process.
2. Digital Rectification
Scanned files that have been processed are brought into the appropriate software environment where shape rectification can be accomplished by our Certified Orthotists. It’s critical that clinicians encompass and become competent with any software solution implemented ensuring an outcome that meets professional standards.
3. Computer Aided Design
The rectified limb surface file is imported into various design-based software and used as the basis for the orthotic design. Basic orthotic design templates are created to streamline the design process. They are applied to the modified limb surface and then adjusted to incorporate the orthotic design specifications. Device templates consist of a series of features that can be edited and adjusted to fit a patient. This allows for the “design freedom” necessary to achieve the desired goals the clinician has for the orthosis.
4. 3D Printing
Boundless currently has two 3D printers. Our Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is primarily used for test prints and prototyping orthoses. Our newly acquired Hewlett Packard Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology is being used for printing definitive orthoses that are used for both evaluative purposes but also as the client’s primary device. Boundless is one of the few Orthotic and Prosthetic practices in Canada incorporating Multi Jet Fusion technology onsite.
5. Final Design
Once the orthosis is printed it must go through post processing where the device is cleaned and sand blasted. Other post processing options involve dyeing, smoothing, and using processes such as “vapor smoothing”. The Boundless technical experts will then add the necessary strapping, padding and other components as per the brace design specifications.
We offer our services and technology to fellow professionals.
If you are interested in meeting with us to discuss how we can collaborate, please contact us at:
3DPrinting@boundlessbracing.com