3D Printing

GE Additive’s 3D-Printed Cast for Injured Gorilla

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GE Additive is spearheading an initiative to create a custom 3D-printed cast for Gladys, an 11-year-old gorilla suffering from a broken arm. This is the potential of 3D printing in animal care but also highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex medical challenges. Gladys, a beloved resident at the Cincinnati Zoo, recently underwent surgery to repair her broken humerus, sustained during a scuffle with fellow troop members. Recognizing the unique nature of Gladys’ injury and the need for specialized post-treatment care, veterinary staff sought the assistance of top surgeons from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. GE Additive joined the effort to provide advanced post-treatment solutions in a pioneering move.

The collaborative effort aims to design and manufacture a custom 3D-printed cast for Gladys using titanium—a material known for its exceptional strength and durability. Unlike traditional casts, the 3D-printed titanium cast is expected to offer superior stability and protection, minimizing the risk of reinjury and facilitating Gladys’ recovery process.

Dr. Mike Wenninger, Cincinnati Zoo’s Director of Animal Health, expressed gratitude for the swift response and expertise of the GE Additive team in developing the titanium cast. The innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential of 3D printing in veterinary medicine but also underscores the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation in delivering optimal care for animal patients.

Dr. Kevin Little, one of the orthopedic surgeons involved in Gladys’ surgery, highlighted the complexity of the operation due to the unique anatomy of gorillas. Despite the challenges, the procedure’s success underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions in overcoming medical obstacles.

Dr. Jaime Denning, Orthopedic Surgeon Liaison for Trauma at Cincinnati Children’s, emphasized the importance of providing Gladys with a robust and tailored solution to ensure her understanding and compliance during the healing process. The use of heavy-duty equipment and a specialized cast reflects the commitment to optimizing Gladys’ recovery and well-being.

The teamwork between veterinary experts, medical professionals, and engineering specialists represents a milestone in animal care and underscores the transformative potential of 3D printing technology. As Gladys embarks on her journey to recovery with the aid of a custom 3D-printed cast, the initiative serves as a testament to the innovative strides being made in veterinary medicine. Looking ahead, integrating advanced technologies like 3D printing holds promise for enhancing the quality of care for animals worldwide.

By, 19 APRIL 2024. GE Additive to 3D print custom metal cast for gorilla with broken arm.

This entry was posted in "Cross-disciplinary Innovations: 3D Printing, 4D Printing, Biotechnology, and Robotics", "Optimizing Patient Treatment with Additive Manufacturing: Exploring 3D Printing in Healthcare" and tagged , , , , , , , , , , .

Accelerating Innovation: Unilever’s Rapid Bottle Design with 3D-Printed Molds

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In the fast-paced world of consumer goods, speed to market is crucial for staying ahead of the competition. Unilever, one of the world’s leading FMCG companies, is embracing innovation to accelerate product development and meet consumer demands. One such innovation involves the use of 3D-printed molds to speed up the design and production of new bottle designs.

Unilever, known for its diverse portfolio of brands spanning personal care, home care, nutrition, and more, is constantly evolving to meet consumer needs. With the help of Stefano Cademartiri, CAD and prototyping owner at Unilever, and Flavio Migliarelli, R&D design manager at packaging supplier Serioplast Global Services, the company is exploring the potential of 3D-printed molds for low-volume stretch blow molding applications.

Plastic containers are produced through blow molding, a mass-production method with short cycle times suited for high-volume production. The traditional workflow often involves lengthy lead times and high costs, posing challenges for rapid product innovation. 3D-printed molds, Unilever, and Serioplast have revolutionized the prototyping and pilot testing process, slashing lead times by six weeks and reducing costs by up to 90%. This innovative approach allows Unilever to bring new bottle designs to market faster than ever before, gaining a competitive edge in the industry.

Consumer goods companies like Unilever understand the importance of agility and responsiveness in today’s market. With 3D printing, they can rapidly iterate on bottle designs, ensuring optimal aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. By streamlining the production process and minimizing waste, Unilever is not only meeting consumer demands but also advancing environmental sustainability goals.

The collaboration between Unilever and Serioplast represents a paradigm shift in the packaging industry. By embracing 3D printing technology, these companies are breaking barriers and accelerating innovation in product design and development. As 3D printing continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements in packaging design and manufacturing, driving greater efficiency and sustainability in the FMCG sector.

Matt Reynolds. Apr 18, 2024. 3D-Printed Molds Speed New Unilever Bottle Designs to Market.

This entry was posted in "Additive Manufacturing DIY Projects: Elevating Home & Lifestyle with 3D Printing", "Green Printing: Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printing", "Next-Gen Fashion and Construction: Advancing with Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printing" and tagged , , , , , , , , .