Going to the nearby store can be easy; ask those who cannot walk.
The concept of the 3-D printed wheelchair was introduced to ensure the availability of comfortable and advanced wheelchairs for people with disability.
3-D printed wheelchairs for everybody’s needs
“GO” is a concept introduced by LAYER. The company focuses on producing products that fit every individual. These made-to-measure, 3D-printed wheelchairs are designed to fit the needs of every individual.
Needs and disabilities may vary, then why should the wheelchair be the same?
The bespoke wheelchair is 3D printed and crafted per the data obtained through scanning and mapping every individual’s biometric information. The end wheelchair obtained has the following advantages:
- It perfectly fits the user’s body shape, weight, posture, and disability.
- It shows decreased injuries, enabling flexibility and supporting most of the user’s body.
- The Layer’s design ensures the wheelchair user has the best center of gravity possible.
The GO application: Customize your comfort
The GO application was introduced for individuals where they can self-design the wheelchair they wish to use.
The application allows alterations regarding additional add-ons like push bars, lift bars, colors, and patterns. Apart from that, you can customize the chair’s height and place an order after making changes.
The GO wheelchair spent more than two years monitoring users and physicians to design a complete wheelchair that focuses on solving the increased risks of injuries, accidents, and providing a product that solely focuses on fitting the individual.
LAYER: Introducing 3D wheelchairs to fit every need
Initially, when Layer collaborated with Materialize, its goal was to serve the world’s first 3-D printed wheelchairs.
The idea was based on the fact that no existing prototype for an ordinary wheelchair could represent what the final product would look like.
A 3-D printed concept for wheelchairs evolved as a go-to idea for the customer to trust the size, fit, and material for the wheelchair they must use for at least the next ten years.
The GO-wheelchair project by Layer made it possible.
The GO majorly focuses on the future of the wheelchair and carries out necessary research and experimentation for it.
Finally, after years of research, GO successfully launched a ‘human-centered wheelchair,’ considering every user’s need. The wheelchair is not only technology oriented but also focuses on comfort and aesthetics.
The wheelchairs sought to bring a complete replacement for every wheelchair that’s uncomfortable to sit and difficult to move.
3D printed wheelchair parts
The major components of the Layer’s model include basic parts like the seat, which is made extra comfortable with integrated cushioning with the help of Laser Sintering using TPU material that ensures strength and flexibility.
The GO wheelchair also has a comfortable footrest customized per the user’s length.
The printed parts of the wheelchair consist of the seat whose smooth texture and black transparency finish is designed by Mammoth Stereolithography machine in TuskXC2700T, which is proprietary of Materialise.
The combination of both enabled printing many wheelchairs at once, all with a smooth black finish and fine detailing.
The footrest is designed using the help of Metal 3D Printing (M3DP) in Aluminum. It depicts the strength and durability of the final model after production.
Cost of Layer 3D printed wheelchairs: Making and Pricing
“Layer,” a London-based organization, brought the concept of 3D printing wheelchairs through the means of “GO,” which was designed by British industrial designer Benjamin Hubert.
The key difference between the GO and other wheelchairs available on the market is that the footrest and seat can be customized per users’ needs.
A wheelchair is a medical device to which Layer tried to add extra comfort and an individual’s sense of style.
GO wheelchairs are safer than other wheelchairs because the tactile push rims have small silicone grip projections, which provide a firm grip and extra control over the wheelchair.
A similar pattern can also be seen on the gloves intended to be worn while using the wheelchair.
This feature has ensured a lesser instance of injury or accident, thus providing a safer option in the market for wheelchairs.
The time taken to make a single GO is expected to be approximately 3 weeks, after which the medical device is delivered to the customer’s doorstep.
An estimated price of a GO wheelchair can range between USD 4.5K to 7K. However, a precise amount can be figured out by ordering customized wheelchairs.
Moreover, the pricing may vary depending upon the modifications demanded by wheelchair users and the final product.
Conclusion
GO has proven to provide comfort to people with disabilities and has been tested by several medical professionals, and the resultant object performed better than ordinary wheelchairs. It is a proper problem-solving solution for all those who spend more than 17 hours in a wheelchair.
The concept of 3D printing wheelchairs came after the company addressed several champions and consultations with patients and doctors to get a clear picture of flaws that can be worked on.
It later embodied points and opinions which framed the idea of “GO.”
“GO” can be the future of wheelchairs and potentially revolutionize the medical device industry.
The concept is incredible and can help provide a comfortable and stylish alternative for people with disabilities.
