Anatomic Studios Encourages Individuality with 3D Printed Prosthetic Covers – Interview with Emelie Strömshed

Swedish design studio Anatomic Studios specialises in crafting fashion focused, individually designed and 3D printed covers for prosthetic users. These covers give the user the possibility to add a personal and modern touch to their prosthetic appearance while recreating the silhouette and symmetry of the sound leg. In an interview with 3Druck.com, Co-founder Emelie Strömshed explains why additive manufacturing is so significant for the prosthetics sector.

The team of Anatomic Studios has profound knowledge and experience in the fields of design, fashion, 3D engineering and prosthetics. Founded by Emelie Strömshed and Christian Veraeus, other members Naemi Jaworoski, Isak Wadsö and Felix Karlsson joined along the way. They all are not only passionate creators who enjoy working together but believe in design that celebrates individuality.

The 3D printed covers become a highly personal accessory that is attached to the existing functional prosthesis. Users have the flexibility to change between different covers to adapt their style for different occasions, much like changing shoes or clothes for a night out or a gym session.

Customers can choose between 16 different designs in Anatomic Studios’s collection of four categories. There is also a custom design option if you prefer to realise your own ideas. While providing details including measurements of the sound limb and prosthesis is necessary, they suggest taking a 3D scan for the most optimal fit of the cover. The team can then start the design process right away and the final 3D printed cover is usually delivered within 4-6 weeks.

Interview with Emelie Strömshed

In an interview with 3Druck.com, Co-founder and Creative Director Emelie Strömshed tells us about the importance of 3D printing and 3D scanning technology for the prosthetics sector and gives an outlook on the future of additive manufacturing technology.

In your opinion, what significance does additive manufacturing have for the prosthetics sector?

Additive manufacturing has a profound significance for the prosthetics sector due to its ability to enable highly personalised and customised solutions to meet the unique and diverse needs of users. Solutions that are not only tailored to an individual’s specific anatomy but also allow for new possibilities with regards to aesthetics and creating lightweight structures. This personalisation can help improve comfort, functionality and – as with our focus at Anatomic Studios  – empower users with design choice and self-expression in their prosthetic appearance, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of life for prosthetic users. 

Also, as prosthetic solutions traditionally are manufactured with manual and often labour-intense methods, additive manufacturing together with other digital tools provide new ways for practitioners to streamline workflows, facilitating a more efficient and effective patient care.

Additive manufacturing has continuously developed in recent years. Which innovations or technological breakthroughs do you consider to be particularly important for the prosthetics industry?

The continuous evolution of additive manufacturing has brought several important innovations for the prosthetics (and orthotics) industry. One that in my opinion has been especially important is advances in materials, such as biocompatible and flexible alternatives, which have not only enhanced the comfort and durability of solutions that are 3D printed but have also widened the scope of the types of components and solutions that can be produced in a successful way for the user. 

In addition to that, a critical aspect of the digital workflow with additive manufacturing in the industry involves ensuring precise measurements for a perfect fit of the solutions being produced. The refinement of scanning and imaging technologies has played an important role in this process as well as software dedicated to digitally design and prepare the solutions for additive manufacturing.

What impact do you think additive manufacturing will have on various industries and possibly society as a whole in the coming years?

As the technology continues to evolve, I believe additive manufacturing (AM) will have a transformative impact both across industries and on a societal level over the coming years. It will be a driver for innovation and efficiency in industries like for example healthcare, dental, aerospace, automotive and consumer goods. AM’s ability to provide highly customised, on-demand production, including efficient small-batch manufacturing, also aligns with the growing trend towards personalised solutions in various sectors.

In the healthcare industry, for instance, I think we will see a rise in AM-produced patient-specific medical devices and implants, improving treatment outcomes. In aerospace and automotive manufacturing, the lightweight and intricate structures that are achievable through AM will revolutionise design possibilities, leading to more fuel-efficient and innovative transportation solutions. And in consumer goods, a continued increase in mass-customisation of for example sportswear, jewellery and accessories etc.

In general, for supply chains across various industries the possibilities for local manufacturing enabled by AM, will without a doubt have an impact by reducing the dependency on extensive global supply networks and the need for large inventories, as well as reducing logistic costs and carbon footprint.

Societally, I’m convinced that AM can support a more sustainable future. The ability to produce products and components with less waste, coupled with decentralised manufacturing, contributes to reduced environmental impact. Additionally, the democratisation of production, where individuals can create customised products locally, I believe really holds the potential to reshape economies and empower local and smaller businesses.

However, challenges such as standardisation, material development, regulatory frameworks, cost, education, awareness and so on, need attention for a widespread adoption.

Here you can find out more about Anatomic Studios and their unique 3D printed prosthetic covers.