Optimization of drop-on-demand 3D printing of natural latex ink for the fabrication of customized medical splints
1
Issued Date
2025-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26667908
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105020776865
Journal Title
Cleaner Engineering and Technology
Volume
29
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Cleaner Engineering and Technology Vol.29 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Suvanjumrat C., Chansoda K., Promtong M., Wiroonpochit P., Kaewprakob T., Chookaew W. Optimization of drop-on-demand 3D printing of natural latex ink for the fabrication of customized medical splints. Cleaner Engineering and Technology Vol.29 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.clet.2025.101112 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/113008
Title
Optimization of drop-on-demand 3D printing of natural latex ink for the fabrication of customized medical splints
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Abstract
A novel drop-on-demand (DoD) 3D printing system was developed to fabricate complex-shaped products using natural latex ink. The printing parameters were systematically optimized based on the roundness and deposition behavior of rubber droplets, with 75 % alcohol identified as the most effective medium among various acid coagulants. The latex, formulated with a viscosity of 800 cP, was tailored to ensure printability and structural integrity. Optimal conditions—including a 0.85 mm nozzle diameter, a deposition rate of 45 mm<sup>3</sup>/s, an alcohol bath height of 3 mm, and a nozzle tip height of 10 mm from the medium surface—enabled the successful fabrication of a custom-designed palm splint featuring intricate geometry within 70 min. Dimensional comparison between the digital model and the printed splint in the X-Z and Y-Z planes revealed a deviation of only 9.89 %, which is acceptable for personalized medical devices. The printed splint exhibited a porous structure that enhances breathability and conformed precisely to the user's hand. Mechanical testing showed that the deposited rubber achieved a tensile strength exceeding 4.5 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 950 %, with droplet roundness values approaching unity. This DoD 3D printing approach significantly reduces material preparation time and production costs, offering a promising pathway for the rapid, cost-effective manufacturing of customized rubber-based products.