Create it REAL and LCS Partner to Produce 3D Printed Wheelchair Seating

Create it REAL, a Danish company specializing in 3D print slicing solutions, has partnered with LCS, an Ireland-based manufacturer of custom wheelchair seating solutions, to produce 3D printed wheelchair seating. Wheelchair seating is important because users spend long periods of time in their seats, and customized solutions are needed for optimal comfort. LCS has traditionally used conventional manufacturing techniques for their custom seats, but will now be switching to additive manufacturing. The seats will be made using a complex lattice structure created through Create it REAL’s software, “Programmable Foam,” which can produce customized lattice structures that channel heat and moisture away from the surface. This partnership between Create it REAL and LCS showcases another innovative application of 3D printing technology in the medical field.

Overview of Create it REAL and LCS Partnership

Create it REAL and LCS have partnered to produce 3D printed wheelchair seating. This collaboration is significant in the 3D printing industry because it demonstrates the capabilities and advantages of customized and 3D printed seating solutions. Both Create it REAL and LCS have unique expertise and technologies that, when combined, can revolutionize the production of wheelchair seating.

Background on Create it REAL and LCS

Create it REAL is a Danish company that specializes in developing advanced 3D print slicing solutions. They have been at the forefront of creating highly customizable and efficient software for 3D printing. LCS, on the other hand, is an Ireland-based manufacturer of custom wheelchair seating solutions. They have been producing conventional custom seats for wheelchair users for a long time.

Significance of Wheelchair Seating in 3D Printing Industry

Wheelchair seating is incredibly important for individuals who rely on wheelchairs for mobility. The comfort of the seating directly affects the overall well-being and quality of life for wheelchair users. By partnering with Create it REAL, LCS can enhance the production of wheelchair seating by incorporating advanced 3D modeling and printing technologies. This partnership has the potential to improve the accessibility and comfort of wheelchair seating products in the market.

Importance of Wheelchair Seating

Wheelchair seating is vital because it provides support and comfort to individuals who use wheelchairs. It is essential to design seating solutions that cater to the unique needs and challenges faced by wheelchair users. The challenges include pressure sores, discomfort, and postural issues. Customized and 3D printed seating can address these challenges by providing personalized support and ensuring proper weight distribution.

Challenges Faced by Wheelchair Users

Wheelchair users face various challenges, including pressure sores, heat and moisture buildup, discomfort, and limited mobility. Prolonged sitting in a wheelchair can lead to skin breakdown, which can be painful and debilitating. Additionally, the buildup of heat and moisture can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of infections. Addressing these challenges through customized and 3D printed seating can greatly improve the comfort and well-being of wheelchair users.

Benefits of Customized and 3D Printed Seating Solutions

Customized and 3D printed seating solutions offer several advantages for wheelchair users. Firstly, these solutions can be tailored to the specific needs and measurements of the individual user, ensuring optimal comfort and support. Secondly, the use of advanced software allows for the creation of complex lattice structures, which can enhance airflow and reduce heat and moisture buildup. Lastly, 3D printing enables the production of unique seating designs that are not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques.

Create it REAL’s Advanced 3D Print Slicing Solutions

Create it REAL’s slicing solutions are highly advanced software that converts digital 3D models into instructions for 3D printers. This software allows for precise and efficient printing of complex objects. Previously, Create it REAL’s slicing solutions have been successfully applied in footwear midsole production. This demonstrates the capabilities and advantages of their software in producing complex and customized objects.

Previous Application in Footwear Midsole Production

Create it REAL’s software was used in the production of footwear midsoles. Midsoles are an important part of shoes as they provide cushioning and support for the feet. By utilizing Create it REAL’s software, shoe manufacturers were able to create highly customized midsoles that catered to the unique needs and preferences of individual users. This previous application showcases the versatility and effectiveness of Create it REAL’s software in producing personalized objects.

Capabilities and Advantages of Create it REAL’s Software

Create it REAL’s software allows for the creation of complex lattice structures, which are crucial in wheelchair seating. These lattice structures can enhance airflow, reduce heat and moisture buildup, and provide better weight distribution. The software’s advanced slicing capabilities ensure precise and efficient printing, resulting in high-quality and durable seating solutions. Additionally, the software’s customization options enable the creation of personalized designs that cater to the specific needs of wheelchair users.

Introduction to LCS and Conventional Manufacturing Techniques

LCS is a manufacturer of custom wheelchair seating solutions. They have been using conventional manufacturing techniques to produce these seats for a long time. Conventional manufacturing techniques involve the use of molds, manual labor, and traditional materials. While these techniques have served their purpose, they have limitations in creating highly customized, complex, and efficient seating solutions. This is where the partnership with Create it REAL and the incorporation of additive manufacturing come into play.

Description of Conventional Manufacturing Techniques Used by LCS

LCS has traditionally used molds and manual labor to produce custom wheelchair seating. This process involves creating a mold based on the user’s measurements, pouring a material such as foam into the mold, and manually shaping the seat to fit the individual. While this method can produce functional seating solutions, it lacks the precision, customization, and efficiency that can be achieved with advanced 3D printing technologies.

Need for Switch to Additive Manufacturing

LCS recognizes the need to switch to additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, for wheelchair seating production. Additive manufacturing enables the creation of complex lattice structures and customized designs that traditional manufacturing techniques cannot achieve. Furthermore, 3D printing allows for precise and efficient production, reducing waste and labor costs. By embracing additive manufacturing, LCS can provide wheelchair users with superior seating solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.

Understanding the Complex Lattice Structure

The complex lattice structure is a unique feature of the wheelchair seating produced through the partnership between Create it REAL and LCS. This lattice structure is generated using Create it REAL’s software and provides several advantages. The lattice structure enhances airflow, reducing the buildup of heat and moisture. It also contributes to weight distribution, ensuring that pressure is distributed evenly across the seating surface. The complex lattice structure is a key factor in improving the comfort and well-being of wheelchair users.

Importance of Lattice Structure in Wheelchair Seating

The lattice structure plays a crucial role in wheelchair seating. By incorporating a lattice structure into the design, it is possible to create channels that allow for airflow and heat dissipation. This is particularly important for individuals who spend long periods in their wheelchairs, as it helps prevent discomfort and skin irritation caused by heat and moisture buildup. The lattice structure also provides support and even weight distribution, reducing the risk of pressure sores.

Applications for Advanced 3D Modeling and Printing Technologies

The partnership between Create it REAL and LCS opens up various opportunities for advanced 3D modeling and printing technologies. Beyond wheelchair seating, there are many other foam-like products that can benefit from the customization and efficiency provided by 3D printing. These technologies can be applied to create personalized medical devices, prosthetics, orthotics, and other healthcare-related products. The ability to produce customized designs quickly and accurately will revolutionize the healthcare industry.

Programmable Foam and Its Role in Seating Design

Programmable Foam is a key component in the design of wheelchair seating produced through the partnership between Create it REAL and LCS. Programmable Foam is a material that can be shaped and customized to meet the specific needs of individual users. It allows for the creation of complex lattice structures that enhance comfort, support, and airflow. Additionally, Programmable Foam can be designed to channel heat and moisture away from the seating surface, providing a more comfortable experience for wheelchair users.

Explanation of Programmable Foam and Its Capabilities

Programmable Foam is a unique material that can be molded and shaped to fit individual users. It has the ability to retain its shape while also providing cushioning and support. Programmable Foam can be customized to create complex lattice structures that enhance airflow and weight distribution. This material has the potential to revolutionize the design and production of seating solutions, as it offers a level of customization and comfort that traditional materials cannot match.

Designing Seats That Channel Heat and Moisture Away

One of the key advantages of Programmable Foam in wheelchair seating design is its ability to channel heat and moisture away from the seating surface. By incorporating channels and ventilation features into the foam, heat and moisture can dissipate, reducing the risk of discomfort and skin irritation. This feature is particularly important for wheelchair users who spend long periods sitting in their chairs. Programmable Foam allows for the creation of seating solutions that prioritize user comfort and well-being.

Customization Options for Specific Users

Programmable Foam provides a wide range of customization options for specific users. Each individual has unique needs and preferences when it comes to wheelchair seating. With Programmable Foam, LCS can create seating solutions that are tailored to the exact measurements and requirements of each user. This level of customization ensures optimal comfort, support, and functionality. Wheelchair users can have seating solutions that are truly personalized to enhance their mobility and overall well-being.

The Partnership and Its Impact on LCS

With the partnership between Create it REAL and LCS, LCS will purchase the Embrace Seat maker to produce 3D-printed seating. This acquisition allows LCS to produce complete 3D printed seating systems and incorporate 3D printed pressure relieving areas into carved foam systems. The integration of 3D printing and Programmable Foam into LCS’s product portfolio enables active airflow in carved foam seats and back, providing greater comfort for wheelchair users. This partnership has the potential to transform the way LCS produces wheelchair seating and improve the lives of wheelchair users.

LCS’s Plan to Purchase the Embrace Seat Maker

As part of their partnership, LCS plans to purchase the Embrace Seat maker. This acquisition enables LCS to fully control the production of 3D-printed seating systems. By owning the entire process, LCS can ensure the quality, customization, and efficiency of the seating solutions. This acquisition is a significant step for LCS in embracing advanced 3D printing technologies and providing superior products to wheelchair users.

Benefits of Incorporating 3D Printed Pressure Relieving Areas into Foam Systems

The incorporation of 3D printed pressure relieving areas into foam systems brings several benefits to wheelchair seating. These pressure relieving areas are precisely designed to distribute weight and reduce pressure on certain points of the body. By incorporating 3D printing and custom lattice structures, LCS can create seating solutions that provide targeted support and pressure relief. This greatly enhances the comfort and well-being of wheelchair users, reducing the risk of pressure sores and discomfort.

Introduction of Programmable Foam into LCS’s Product Portfolio

By introducing Programmable Foam into its product portfolio, LCS can offer seating solutions that are unmatched in customization and comfort. Programmable Foam allows for the creation of complex lattice structures and precise shaping to meet the unique needs of individual users. This level of customization ensures optimal support and functionality for wheelchair users. The integration of Programmable Foam into LCS’s product portfolio demonstrates their commitment to innovation and improving the lives of wheelchair users.

Establishment of 3D Printing Hub in Ireland

LCS plans to establish a 3D printing hub in Ireland to provide their 3D printing services for the UK and Ireland. This hub will serve as a central location for the production, customization, and distribution of 3D printed wheelchair seating solutions. By having a dedicated facility, LCS can streamline their operations and ensure the efficient delivery of seating solutions to their customers. This hub will also serve as a center for research and development, further advancing the capabilities and applications of 3D printing in the healthcare industry.

Service Coverage in the UK and Ireland

The establishment of the 3D printing hub in Ireland allows LCS to provide their services to customers in the UK and Ireland. This means that wheelchair users in these regions can benefit from the advanced 3D printed seating solutions offered by LCS. The proximity of the hub enables faster turnaround times for customization and delivery, ensuring that wheelchair users receive their seating solutions in a timely manner. This service coverage greatly improves accessibility to innovative and personalized wheelchair seating solutions.

Potential Expansion to Other Regions in the Future

While LCS initially focuses on serving customers in the UK and Ireland, there is potential for expansion to other regions in the future. As the demand for advanced 3D printed seating solutions grows, LCS may consider expanding their operations to reach a wider customer base. This expansion could involve the establishment of additional 3D printing hubs in strategic locations, enabling LCS to provide their services to wheelchair users around the world. The potential for global reach highlights the transformative impact that 3D printing can have on the wheelchair seating industry.

Expanding the Applications of 3D Printing

The partnership between Create it REAL and LCS showcases a new application area for 3D printing. The ability to create customized lattice structures and incorporate Programmable Foam opens up numerous possibilities beyond wheelchair seating. Other foam-like products, such as medical devices, prosthetics, and orthotics, can benefit from the customization and efficiency provided by advanced 3D modeling and printing technologies. This partnership serves as a catalyst for exploring and expanding the applications of 3D printing in the healthcare and related industries.

Defining a New Application Area for 3D Printing

The partnership between Create it REAL and LCS defines a new application area for 3D printing – wheelchair seating. This collaboration demonstrates how advanced software, such as Create it REAL’s slicing solutions, can be utilized to create highly customized and comfortable seating solutions for wheelchair users. The incorporation of 3D printing and Programmable Foam opens up new possibilities for designing and producing personalized medical and healthcare products. This partnership sets a precedent for future collaborations and innovations in the 3D printing industry.

Exploring Future Opportunities for Advanced 3D Modeling and Printing Technologies

The partnership between Create it REAL and LCS serves as a starting point for exploring future opportunities in advanced 3D modeling and printing technologies. As these technologies continue to evolve, there is vast potential for their application in various industries, including healthcare. The ability to create customized and efficient products through 3D printing opens up new avenues for innovation and improved quality of life. It is important to continue researching and developing these technologies to unlock their full potential and address the needs of diverse user groups.

Potential Benefits for Other Foam-Like Products

The success of the partnership between Create it REAL and LCS in producing wheelchair seating solutions has significant implications for other foam-like products. The ability to customize designs and create complex lattice structures can enhance the functionality and comfort of various foam-based products. This includes items such as cushions, padding, and support systems used in healthcare, automotive, and furniture industries. By adopting 3D printing and advanced modeling technologies, manufacturers can offer superior products that meet the unique needs of their customers.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

The partnership between Create it REAL and LCS to produce 3D printed wheelchair seating signifies a major advancement in the 3D printing industry. By incorporating advanced software, such as Create it REAL’s slicing solutions, and innovative materials like Programmable Foam, LCS can create highly customized and comfortable seating solutions for wheelchair users. This collaboration has the potential to revolutionize the production of wheelchair seating and improve the lives of wheelchair users worldwide. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, the applications and benefits in various sectors will expand, paving the way for further advancements and innovations. The partnership between Create it REAL and LCS sets a precedent for future collaborations and highlights the immense possibilities that lie ahead in the field of 3D printing.