Development of a customised 3D printer as a potential tool for direct printing of patient-specific facial prosthesis

Abstract This study demonstrates a cost-effective portable fabrication system for 3D printing complex structures from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Material development and characterisation allowed the design production of printer that is capable fabricating PDMS using photo-initiator LED curing process. A model participant’s ear was captured handheld scanner. These data were used to directly print an ear. Micro-extrusion direct deposition at room temperature demonstrated via custom designed printer, with in situ UV cross-linking facilitate during has great potential be as fast facile approach create facial other prosthesis. Future developments will also focus on application areas such microfluidics, flexible electronics, biomedical applications.