Feb. 16, 2015 | By Simon
Although we’ve seen dozens of possible design and color combinations of 3D printed prosthetics lately, there are still many uses for the same technology for those who may not necessarily need a prosthetic but rather, an arm brace or exoskeletal support systems. Among other companies that have been exploring exoskeletons as anatomical aides is 3D MedScan.
Perhaps most well-known for their 3D printed AmphibianSkin™ exoskeleton medical braces - which are designed for athletes who need added wrist or hand support for conditions such as carpal-tunnel - the company has recently announced a new 3D printed exoskeleton concept that aids golfers in learning how to putt a golf ball based off of a new rule that was implemented by the United States Golf Association in 2012 and will be used in full-effect starting in 2016.
The “In-Sync 3D Putting” 3D printed trainer device from 3D MedScan uses the same scanning and manufacturing techniques as their AmphibianSkin exoskeleton, however it is designed to help the golfer improve their putting form by placing both wrists in a particular putting position to help aid in the muscle memory training process leading up to the implementation of the new golf rule.
The rule, which goes by the name 14-1b, prohibits the use of anchored strokes in competitive golf both for amateurs and professionals. An anchor stroke is when a golfer places a part of their arm against their body to aid in keeping their putter stable while attempting to sink a golf ball in the hole. The placement of their arm against their body is similar to how a photographer is able to have more accuracy with stabilizing a photograph. In effect, this means that all competitive golfers will have to putt with both arms placed away from their body with no anchoring aid whatsoever.
To create their In-Sync 3D Putting trainers that help a golfer keep their putter away from their body while maintaining stable form, 3D MedScan performs a surface scan of an individual user while in the ideal putting position. Once the scan has been cleaned in a 3D modeling software package, the resulting data is used to create a custom high-quality 3D print that fits a golfer’s wrists and forearms perfectly in order to help them maintain an ideal putting position. Additionally, the custom ordering option also allows golfers to print their lightweight and moisture-resistant trainers in any number of color options to best-suit their existing golf wardrobe. The final prints will be completed on an Airwolf 3D HD 3D printer.
The company will be showing off their new product at the 2015 Denver Golf Expo. Interested golfers can find out more about the new rule here and more about the In-Sync Putting Trainer here.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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