Creating custom 3D-printed children’s helmets at Cerebra with Artec Eva

Ngày tạo: 27/09/2019 11:49:21 SA

A UK charity focused on helping children with brain-related neurological conditions needed to create custom riding helmets using 3D scanning and printing.

The Artec Eva is a lightweight 3D scanner that uses 100% safe structured white light and scans quickly, requiring children to hold still for less than one minute. The 3D scan appears in real time on the screen in Artec Studio, the scanner’s software. Scans are then processed and exported off to CAD software prior to 3D printing. Once in CAD software, an offset of the child’s head is created, which allows the exact dimensions for creating a precise 3D model that will in turn be made into a perfectly-fitting helmet.

Imogen and Artec Eva during scanning

After scanning and exporting to CAD, a two-part model is created. Ross then explained the physical process of the helmet’s creation. “The inner polystyrene protective layer is exported for CNC machining and the shell model is used to create a 3D printed (female) mold. Once the inner surface of the mould is made smooth, layers of fibreglass and Kevlar are laid up using epoxy resin to make an extremely strong outer shell.”

Ross Head holding a commercially available helmet (L) and a Cerebra custom helmet (R)

Subsequently, the helmet has been fully approved and certified by the BSI (British Standards Institution), attesting to its high level of protection and quality. Three helmets have been made so far, with two children (including Imogen) having been scanned with ATiC’S Artec Eva. More helmets are in the works, and Cerebra Innovation Centre is beginning to see growing interest in the helmets from elsewhere.

Ross Head was very pleased with the results and stated, "We’re really just at the beginning with the Eva scanner...because we’re creating customized products for each individual child. Eva lets us make things using a child’s exact measurements, so when it's time for the child to put it on, or sit down on or in it, it fits like a glove, and for a child who’s used to going through life feeling like they’re not fitting in, this kind of perfect fit is simply a dream come true."

Ross Head and Imogen before her first ride with the new helmet

Imogen’s mother said, “Imogen was so thrilled and excited to have completed the climb. It’s only thanks to the team at Cerebra that she’s been able to have this adventure – she’s never been able to do anything like this before because of her cerebral palsy. There have been so many times that she hasn’t been able to join in with physical activities, which leaves her feeling left out. Being able to do things like this is a real boost to her confidence and self-esteem.”

Imogen with her new helmet and cover, and her best friend!

She went on, “Imogen really loves her new helmet! Because it is so comfortable and looks great she would carry on riding for longer if we let her! Cerebra Innovation Centre have made a super comfy helmet that looks great which allows her to compete in the sport she loves! The guys at Cerebra even put a silk (riding helmet cover) on in Imogen’s favorite colour!”