Application of 3D Printer to Create Pet Casts

Abstract

This paper presents the application of 3D printer to create pet casts. The problem of injuries from falls or symptoms related to bone injuries are symptoms that veterinarians diagnose as potentially treatable by external splinting to allow the bones to fully fuse. Differences in physiology are limitations in splinting and structuring the splint. This research introduces 3D printing technology to help the creation of splints for pets to increase treatment options using innovations or concepts. Study the current state of external splinting treatment methods for pets and design the research method was started by scanning organs to be splinted with a 3D scanner. The 3D images are then used to creat a model for splinting by designing with the Sintratec 3D modeling computer program. Then create the splints by burning plastic powder crystals to harden with a 3D printer and clean the surfaces by sandblasting and polishing. The materials used to create the splints in this study are two types of engineering materials: polyamide12 (PA12), suitable for creating hard splints, and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), suitable for creating soft splints. Both materials have good mechanical properties and are strong impact resistance, chemical resistance, and high heat resistance. The finished splint pieces can be easily split to the pet model, reducing the steps compared to the normal splints, resulting in a shorter splint time, depending on the location or organs the splints are placed, and reducing the pet stress caused by being restrained during splinting. This research presents the introduction of technology and its advantages to help increase treatment options for pet injuries, which is beneficial to pets and pet owners, and helps veterinarians provide appropriate treatment.