The application of additive manufacturing / 3D printing in ergonomic aspects of product design: A systematic review

Additive Manufacturing (AM) facilitates product personalization and iterative design, which makes it an ideal technology for ergonomic development. In this study, a systematic review was conducted of the literature regarding use AM in ergonomic-product methodological aspects studies were analyzed. A search performed using keywords “3D print*,” “additive manufacturing,” “ergonomic*” “human factors”. Included reporting specifically design products/prototypes including detailing testing methodology used evaluation. Forty identified pertaining to fields medicine, assistive technology, wearable hand tools, devices others. The most commonly fused deposition modeling with polylactic acid, but overall preferred material acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Various combinations objective/subjective qualitative/quantitative evaluation methods used. Based on findings, recommendations developed facilitate choice suitable technologies materials specific applications ergonomics.