Process Parameters Optimization and Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Ankle-Foot Orthoses Based on Polypropylene.

ABSTRACT: Nowadays, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing offers promising opportunities for the customized manufacturing of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) targeted towards rehabilitation purposes. Polypropylene (PP) represents an ideal candidate in orthotic applications due to its light weight and superior mechanical properties, offering an excellent balance between flexibility, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, and long-term durability. However, Additive Manufacturing (AM) of AFOs based on PP remains a major challenge due to its limited bed adhesion and high shrinkage, especially for making large parts such as AFOs. The primary innovation of the present study lies in the optimization of FFF 3D printing parameters for the fabrication of functional, patient-specific orthoses using PP, a mate

SUBMITTER: Swesi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12299998 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature