Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/74426
Title: Design for additive manufacturing of dog limb prosthesis
Authors: Bonello, Matthew (2020)
Keywords: Dogs
Extremities (Anatomy) -- Abnormalities
Extremities (Anatomy) -- Diseases
Prosthesis
Three-dimensional printing
Issue Date: 2020
Citation: Bonello, M. (2020). Design for additive manufacturing of dog limb prosthesis (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: In dogs, similar to other mammals, there are various conditions which could give limb related complications, with some leading to the amputation or deformities of the limb. Amputation is implemented as the last option for the dog to survive and live an ordinary life, but the loss of a limb could bring about other conditions which can aggravate the state of the dog‘s life. The chance for a dog to get a prosthetic limb could improve its survival skills and help it adapt to the loss of its limb. Additive manufacturing, a technology that is becoming more fundamental to different fields, including aerospace, general consumer products, automotive and medical, gives opportunity of manufacturing complex geometrical shapes at a low lead time and cost. With this alternative, the manufacturing of dog limb prosthesis could be achieved in a short period of time and at a lower price, making it available for low end markets. Even though additive manufacturing brings about many advantages, it is vital that the Design for Additive Manufacturing concept is deliberated to take advantage of all possible benefits, delivering an optimal additive manufactured product. Initially, a taxonomy of different dog limb related prosthetics was built to gather an insight of the frequently encountered dog prosthetic devices. Following this, a literature review was carried out to give an overview of the design for additive manufacturing tool implication and considerations, in addition to a brief understanding of the dog‘s limb anatomy and gait cycle. As the problem was analysed, data generation was initiated via market research and questionnaires. This led to the development of the prosthesis‘ specification sheet. Based on these requirements, different dog distal forelimb prostheses were designed. Subsequently, the material selection, design tools and analysis methods were executed to generate a final, more detailed, robust design. In the interest of additive manufacturing an optimal prosthesis, different 3D printing parameters were set to experimentation and based on the data outputted; guidelines were formally defined to assist both technical and non-technical individuals. Additionally recommendations were set to select the most feasible option, according to the shortest print time and lowest cost. Lastly, the veterinarians evaluated the developed design, highlighting suggestions for future developments.
Description: B.ENG (HONS)
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/74426
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacEng - 2020
Dissertations - FacEngIME - 2020

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