Novel Development of FDM-Based Wrist Hybrid Splint Using Numerical Computation Enhanced with Material and Damage Model

Additive manufacturing has increasingly become a transformative approach in the design and fabrication of personalized medical devices, offering improved adaptability, reduced production time, and enhanced patient-specific functionality. Within this framework, simulation-driven design plays a critical role in ensuring the structural reliability and performance of orthopedic supports before fabrication. This research study delineates the novel development of a wrist hybrid splint (WHS) which has a simulation-based design and was additively manufactured using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The primary material selected for this purpose was polylactic acid (PLA), recognized for its biocompatibility and structural integrity in medical applications. Prior to the commencement of the actual FDM process, an extensive pre-analysis was imperative, involving the application of nonlinear numerical models aiming at replicating the mechanical response of the WHS in respect to different deposition configurations. The methodology encompassed the evaluation of a sophisticated material model incorporating a damage mechanism which was grounded in experimental data derived from meticulous tensile and three-point bending testing of samples with varying FDM process parameters, namely nozzle diameter, layer thickness, and deposition orientation. The integration of custom subroutines with utility routines was coded with a particular emphasis on maximum stress thresholds to ensure the fidelity and reliability of the simulation outputs on small scale samples in terms of their elasticity and strength. After the formulation and validation of these computational models, a comprehensive simulation of a full-scale, finite element (FE) model of two WHS design variations was conducted, the results of which were aligned with the stringent requirements set forth by the product specifications, ensuring comfortable and safe usage. Based on the results of this study, the final force comparison between the numerical simulation and experimental measurements demonstrated a discrepancy of less than 2%. This high level of agreement highlights the accuracy of the employed methodologies and validates the effectiveness of the WHS simulation and fabrication approach. The research also concludes with a strong affirmation of the material model with a damage mechanism, substantiating its applicability and effectiveness in future manufacturing of the WHS, as well as other orthopedic support devices through an appropriate selection of FDM parameters.