To earn CEUs for this session, you must be present for the entire live event and discussion which will take place Wednesday, June 3 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm– 2:00 pm EDT. You must also complete the Knowledge Assessment.
Dr. Kirkpatrick will focus on the basics of 3D printing and its applicability to assistive technology in the 3D Printing Fundamentals course. You will learn about websites that provide you with free or paid drawings that can be printed using a 3D printer. You will learn how to find a file, download the file, prepare it for printing on your 3D printer, and then print it. For those who want to design their own assistive technology, Michael Weber will demonstrate how to use computer-aided drawing software to make a 3D drawing that can be printed. Dr. Kirkpatrick will take Michael’s file, prepare it for printing, and print it, so you can see the design process from start to finish. For those with computer-aided drawing experience, Michael will also demonstrate designing a more complex item that integrates with other components.
Lunch Break 12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT
Lunch will be followed by a second presentation from Amber Willett. Amber will be presenting her undergraduate dissertation, “3D Printing and Occupational Therapy: The Process of 3D Printing Adaptive Devices.” The paper explores the potential for 3D printers as a tool for occupational therapists. Samples of 3D printed devices used for the study were adaptive keyboard devices, two bottle openers, three pen holders, a key turner, and a signature guide. Cognizant of cost issues, the research team used a 3D printer that sells for about $350.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn:
- Devices can be created ‘in a timely manner.’
- Designs for many types of assistive technology are readily available for 3D printing.
- Whether a custom design or open source drawing, it is easy to prepare a file and 3D print it.
- In some cases, prints are cheaper to make than buy.
- Customization offers more options, and comfort, for clients.
- Computer-aided drawing software can be used to design custom assistive technology.
- Printers offering the use of multiple filaments create great potential in health care.
Supplemental materials provided by Carol Weber and Michael Weber