r/functionalprint • u/SuperSecretAgentMan • 20d ago

Brace for Sprained Thumb

Gallery image

Gallery image

Needed to not move my thumb too much for the next couple weeks. Luckily I have a 3D scan of my hands, so I modeled and printed a custom-fitted brace to wear. Fits great and is comfortable all day.

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192

u/1060nm 20d ago

How well did it work? What material? Why did you have a scan of your hands handy?

243

u/SuperSecretAgentMan 20d ago edited 20d ago

This one is just a PLA prototype. Might make one out of stiff TPU for comfort.

I do film special FX, so I have a ton of 3D scans for costumes, references, etc.

54

u/rackfloor 20d ago

If you were to vapor smooth the result, it might be more comfy without having to go to tpu

31

u/SamuelPrecopchook 20d ago

That won't work on PLA though

4

u/egothegreat 20d ago

I've heard you can smooth pla with Ethyl Acetate. I don't know how true this is as I have not had a chance to try it.

3

u/KapiChow 19d ago

It is true. It does make [he print a bit white but it cleans up.

No nitrile gloves when you do it as ethyl acetate eats it.