From Hype to real Applications: 3D Printing of Orthoses and Prostheses using Polypropylene (PP)

Step 1: Scanning

Scanning

Various standard scanners, which are often already available in orthopaedic facilities, can be used for the scanning process.

Low initial investment required
Step 2: Modelling

Modelling

Using proven in-house modeling software, body parts can be converted into a digital model in high resolution.

Faster creation of products
Step 3: Printing

Printing

High-quality 3D printing can be carried out in-house with an internal 3D printer or externally with 3D printing service.

50% less material usage
Step 4: Refinement

Refinement

3D printed PP orthoses or prostheses can be post-processed and finished in the same way as hand-made PP parts.

Traditional finishing methods
Step 5: Fitting

Fitting

The final 3D printed PP orthosis or prosthesis can be fitted and adjusted to the patient's specific needs, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality.

Personalized patient fit

The advantages of polypropylene for orthoses and prostheses

Break resistant

Break resistant

3D printed parts made of polypropylene are robust and break resistant.

Light weight

Light weight

The low density of PP enables lightweight parts with comfort and functionality.

Flexible

Flexible

3D-printed O&P parts can be bent to a certain degree without breaking.

Recyclable

Recyclable

PP can be recycled easily and efficiently using well-established technologies.

Semi-transparent

Semi-transparent

P-filament 721 nature is translucent, enabling identification of pressure points during medical treatment.

Skin friendly

Skin friendly

PPprint materials are certified for safe and direct skin contact, ensuring comfort and suitability for medical applications such as orthoses and prostheses.

Printing complex shapes

Printing complex shapes

PPprint's complete package consisting of PP materials, printing base and support material makes it possible to manufacture more complex products for the specific needs of the patient.

Homegeneously colorable

Homegeneously colorable

The homogeneous colorability of PP allows us to offer a wide range of colors for the production of individual products.

Thermally deformable

Thermally deformable

At moderate temperatures, PP parts can be deformed to make final adjustments to the patient's needs.

Chemical resistant

Chemical resistant

The chemical resistance of PP ensures that O&P parts are not affected by contact with sweat or other liquids. 3D-printed O&P products can be cleaned in the dishwasher or with alcohols and can be sterilized.

Immediately 3D printable

Immediately 3D printable / no water uptake

As a non-hygroscopic material, PP is immediately ready for use in 3D printing without prior drying. This feature also makes storage easier compared to other 3D printing materials.

Specialized in PP Medical Solutions

Specialized in
PP Medical Solutions

Interested in professional solutions for medical 3D printing with polypropylene? We are happy to help you!

Let's talk

Medical Technology
and 3D Printing

3D printing has revolutionized the fabrication of orthotics and prosthetics. This technology streamlines the design, manufacturing, and fitting processes, enabling the development of cutting-edge products individually tailored to each patient's special needs. In particular extrusion based 3D printing has emerged to a reliable and cost efficient solution for the future production of ortheses and protheses (O&P). By leveraging 3D printing, medical professionals can now provide patients with prostheses and orthoses that offer a unique combination of comfort, functionality, and adaptability, ultimately enhancing quality of life.

PPprint materials are used in 1.000+ patient devices worldwide

Application examples

  • Knee-ankle foot orthosis (KAFO)
  • Dynamic ankle foot orthosis (DAFO)
  • Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)
  • Arm prosthetics
  • TT & TF prosthetics
  • Thorako-lumbo-sakral orthosis (TLSO)
  • Wrist hand finger orthosis (WHFO)
  • many more applications possible
Orthosis example

Innovate in Color

Premium Medical Grade Colors:

Introducing polypropylene filament P-filament 721 matching skin color in brown, beige and coyote-brown.

Innovate in Color
Red filament
Orange filament
Yellow filament
Green filament
Mint filament
Blue filament
Signal blue filament
Purple filament
Pink filament
Gray filament
Black filament
White filament

Let's find your best PP solution!

What our partners say

ELIMED testimonial image 1
ELIMED testimonial image 2

Nothing worked – until I discovered PPprint. From that moment, I knew I had found the right material.

🇨🇭 Elimed, Switzerland, Europe

Today, Antoine produces spinal orthoses with P-pellets 310 and insoles with P-filament 721 – proving how the right material can unlock new possibilities in orthotics and prosthetics.

Ugani testimonial image 1
Ugani testimonial image 2
Ugani testimonial image 3

The whole chain of the product needs to be perfect to reach reliable, scalable and high-quality 3D printed Prosthetics and Orthotics. PPprint has been our partner for a long time now, because of their dedication for quality, outstanding service and focus on R&D and collaboration.

🌍 Ugani Prothetics, Global

To deliver reliable, scalable and high-quality 3D printed prosthetics and orthotics, every step in the production chain must meet the highest standards.

We are proud to support Ugani in their mission to deliver state-of-the-art orthopaedic solutions – from small-scale investments to the full equipment of hospitals. Their solutions are available worldwide, across nearly all continents.

ActiveArmor testimonial image 1
ActiveArmor testimonial image 2

We like PPprint Polypropylene for our 3D printed flexible splint options due to its strength and flexibility. We currently use PPprint as our exclusive Polypropylene filament provider for our highest quality medical devices.

🇺🇸 ActiveArmor, Florida, United States

When advanced materials meet innovative care – ActivArmor sets new standards in custom-fit orthoses. The US-based company develops breathable, waterproof, and hygienic splints that redefine modern orthopedic support – combining innovative design with high-performance materials.

Dilectus testimonial image

We use PPprint polypropylene filaments for our orthoses and prostheses in veterinary orthopedics – and we're fully convinced by their properties: lightweight, strong, and reliable. The PPprint team always supports us with deep expertise and real dedication.

🇩🇪 Dilectus Orthopädietechnik, Germany

When precision meets purpose. In veterinary orthotics, every detail matters: the right fit, the right design – and most importantly, the right material.

At Dilectus Orthopädietechnik, custom-made orthoses and prostheses help animals move again. Their material of choice: P-filament 721 from PPprint.

How can we help you to make your next step in extrusion-based 3D printing?

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PPprint: Your Partner for extrusion-based 3D printing for orthoses and prostheses.

With its unique product portfolio PPprint provides a distinctive product range for 3D printing of orthoses and protheses made of polypropylene (PP). With a proven track record in material innovations and extensive experience in integrating 3D printing into medical device applications, we are your trusted partner. Our global network of partners allows us to support customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements in your region.

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Our polypropylene created specifically for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) when processed to P-filament 721 provides easy and high-quality 3D printing.

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Questions? We've Got Answers.

Have questions about our polypropylene materials for medical device applications? We're here to help you find the right solution for your orthotic and prosthetic needs.

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