OUR MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Step One: 3D Printing
Using a FormLabs 3L Printer for our Otoscope and Retinoscope Models, and a Stratasys F170 for our Nasoscope, our prints take less than a day of end-to-end processing. Our Otoscope and Retinoscope are created using V4 Resin, and our Nasoscope using 92A TPU flexible material. Both are made precisely and efficiently, with altered infill structures to maximize cost-effectiveness and time-saving.
Step Two: Post-Processing
Our Otoscope and Retinoscope prints are processed first using an alcohol wash bath, where 10 minutes erodes any excess resin and smooths out the body. After that, it goes through a 15-20 minute curing stage in a 60° C oven-like machine where it becomes structurally sound and the supports can easily break away.
Our Nasoscope gets printed in flexible material, and after goes into a sodium hydroxide bath machine, where the support material, also known as SUP 706 erodes and leaves the flexible body alone.
Step Three: Assembly
Once all of the parts have gone through the necessary post-processing measures, Velcro tape slides into the pre-cut indent located on the side, and our in-house Otoscopic tip clicks on and becomes adhered if the model is being used for ear exams.
HOW RESIN PRINTING WORKS
Resin printing is an additive manufacturing process where a build plate is immersed in a vat of liquid photopolymer resin, which is selectively cured layer by layer using a UV light source, such as a laser or projector. This process, which includes types like SLA, DLP, and MSLA, creates highly detailed and smooth 3D prints, making it ideal for miniatures, jewelry, and prototypes. After printing, the model requires post-processing, including washing to remove excess resin and curing under UV light for final hardening. While resin printing offers excellent detail, it requires careful handling of resin and post-processing steps, and the material can be toxic if not managed properly.