1

Hi all,

We’re investigating alternate filament materials for use with prosthetic products. We’d need a filament that will result in a product that has strength and some flexibility - but not too much.

The product would need to “be able to take bend stress”, but not to the point that you’d have the flexibility of - say - rubber sheet material. You’d want to be able to bend it, with some force - after which it would jump back to it’s original shape.

I thought, I’d seen a YT video of someone presenting such a material, during 2016 NY Maker Faire, but I can’t find that video back… I’d appreciate any input you could give. :slight_smile:

1 Like
2

How about Ngen-Flex from Colorfabb.

http://colorfabb.com/co-polyesters/ngen-flex

2 Likes
3

Taulman sells nylon that flexes well, but resumes to its original shape.

It is STRONG, and can withstand being in a car in the summer.

It can be dyed to any color, and is medical grade.

1 Like
4

I do know that Polymkaer has someting flex filament that can be used to make a timebelt. Maybe that is something you can use ?

http://www.polymaker.com/shop/polyflex/

1 Like
5

Thanks Mike,

I see that the link has filament test videos from Tech2C - the 2 materials shown here both seem highly flexible, the black one even more than the white material… Too flexible for what we’ve got in mind, unfortunately.

Appreciate the suggestion, though! :slight_smile:

6

Sounds promising, we’ll check this out - thanks! :slight_smile:

7

Xeno, this seems very much like the material that we would need to use: we’ll dive a bit deeper into this & get some details. I also see that Daniel Noree made some more videos of this material - I’ll try to reach him & get his opinion.

I’ll also show this to person, with whom I’m working to improve his prosthetic - I think, we’ll need to give this material a try.

Thanks! :slight_smile:

1 Like
8

Ultimaker TPU

Semiflex from fennerdrives

I also have some WillowFlex (it’s manufactured in Germany) made from biocompostable materials and prints at 180°c!

The NGen flex from colorfabb is a nice one also

9
10

I see that Nylon was mentioned.

How about another industry’s mammoth polymer: PP (Polypropylene)? Usually affordable, PP is known to show little creep.

Or the flexible-PLA (a PLA that is flexible)?

11

How goes the search? What you’ve discovered so far?