3D printed PEEK bionic knee brace

The knee is one of the most vulnerable and short-life hinge joints in the human anatomy, with an average life expectancy of 50 years. Many seniors are suffering various knee problem, which affects normal lifestyle and reduces mobility.

Equipped with a magnetorheological damper, BioNEEK – a passive bionic exoskeleton brace designed and manufactured by Sichuan Ju An Hui Science and Technology features some clever engineering.

With biomechanical assistance, BioNEEK enhances support, reduces impact, improve stability, and maximizes the protection of the knee so that it can be rehabilitated. The design’s magnetorheological damper works just like a shock absorption system that reduces the impact on users’ knees while improving endurance and mobility.

The adjustable hinge on the BioNEEK is beneficial to users with chronic knee problems by preventing hyperextension, expediting rehabilitation, and relieving pain. The hinge tracks natural movement of the users’ knee to maintain support and provide lateral stability to the ligaments while the joint is moving.

Sichuan Ju An Hui turned to Intamsys to produce BioNEEK’s brace in PEEK 3D printing.

BioNEEK braces were 3D printed on the Intamsys Funmat Pro HT. Each BioNEEK user has individualized needs in terms of sizing of the knee brace, so the ability to customize quickly with consistent results while maintaining the durability of the BioNEEK is critical to the patients of Sichuan Ju An Hui.

The mechanical properties of PEEK parts printed on Intamsys printer can achieve 99.9MPa in tensile strength and 3738MPa in Young’s Modulus. The PEEK made knee brace’s main structure helps prevent injury by giving users an additional layer of strength and protection. Foam padding is added to the brace to ensure comfortable wearing experience.

“With the mechanical strength and stiffness of PEEK coupled with the reliability of Intamsys 3D printing solution, Sichuan Ju An Hui is now able to swiftly customize to customers’ sizes and produce BioNEEK to fit comfortably on the knees of each customer while delivering industry-leading level of protection, made possible by 3D printed PEEK,” says Charles Han, CEO of Intamsys.