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Additive manufacturing of protective helmets

Reading time: min
11.October 2024
Reading time: min
11.October 2024
We set new standards

We have set ourselves the challenge of developing the best solutions for patients who need customized, protective helmets. We use the latest technologies to outperform traditional manufacturing processes while setting new standards in design, functionality and efficiency. Our orthopaedic head protection helmets are used either to protect the exposed brain after a craniectomy or to prevent head injuries in patients at risk of falling, such as epilepsy patients.

 

Individually customizable

Our conviction that additive manufacturing is the future of helmet production is based on the clear advantages of this technology. By using processes such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS), we can produce helmets that not only offer more complex structures and greater adaptability, but also respond faster and more precisely to individual requirements.

 

Complex structures

The design freedom that additive manufacturing offers us allows us to realize complex structures such as gyroid designs. On the one hand, gyroid structures offer high stability with low weight thanks to their minimal geometry and, on the other, a high level of protection thanks to excellent padding. This is particularly important as we produce helmets that are both light and robust enough to meet the highest protection requirements. For these reasons, we use a gryoid filling for impact reduction in our EpiPro and EpiPro Active, for example.

 

Improved protection

We have carried out extensive tests with TÜV Süd to test the protective effect of our additively manufactured helmets. The results show that our helmets, especially those with Gyroid infill, offer superior protection in the event of a fall. For example, in tests from a fall height of 0.3 m, we were able to achieve significantly better values than conventional helmets.

 

Focus on hygiene and comfort

We know how important hygiene and comfort are for our customers, especially in the medical sector. Additive manufacturing allows us to develop helmets that are not only easy to clean, but also dry faster – an invaluable advantage over conventional leather or fabric helmets. This is particularly relevant for use in care facilities or with children, where practical and hygienic solutions are required.

 

Our vision

We are aware that there are still challenges, but we are convinced that we will overcome these hurdles through further optimization. Our work on additively manufactured helmets is more than just a technological innovation. It is part of our mission to make patients’ lives safer and more comfortable. We firmly believe that printed helmets will soon be standard in medical care. We are not standing still, but are continuously researching and developing in order to offer the best possible solutions.