Render of 3D printed #CAST
I can recall a time at school when a friend of mine broke her arm and had to wear a cast. Instead of feeling sorry for her and offering to carry her bag, I was envious of the fact that people were clamouring to write messages all over her plastered arm. To this day, I cannot imagine why.
Now there is a new alternative cast, significantly cooler than the traditional plaster or fibreglass, that can be customised and 3D printed to include messages from social media.
The #CAST from Studio FATHOM uses the latest in advanced manufacturing technologies to produce a unique piece for the individual. An arm scan can be taken in the doctors office that is then printed using Selective Laser Sintering from a breathable nylon filament.
Personalised messages can be gathered using the #CAST app which will feature messages from well-wishers from the wearer’s preferred social media channels. The user can reject and approve the messages they wish to have printed.
"We asked ourselves, how else could 3D printing uniquely aid in elevating a user’s experience?" says FATHOM's industrial designer Ava DeCapri. "The #CAST app that works alongside the 3D printed cast, provides that unique experience for the user while still benefiting from the innovative structure that improves healing and comfort. Our goal was to create a cast concept that was familiar, yet exciting and innovative."
Once the character limit has been reached, a custom fit cast is generated and built. This will then be delivered to the medical facility and fitted by a specialist.
The design was inspired by other 3D printed casts in the 3D printing community such as the Osteoid which features healing ultrasonic vibrations and the Cortex Cast designed by a student.
Currently the #CAST is not readily available to order but FATHOM is open to private physicians working alongside the company to make this technology available to their clients.
