Topic: Need help finding appropriate plastic
Hi.
I make artificial limbs and braces for pets. I have started experimenting with 3D printing to make prosthetic feet for small animals. My first stab at it went fairly well, however, I am not sure about the long term durability of the foot I created and wanted some feedback on what people think would be the best plastic to use.
Ideally the plastic is resistant to cold, cracking, and can flex over and over without reducing the rigidity.
Attached is a picture of a 3D printed foot I made for the hind leg of a 45 lb dog. It flexes/compresses about .5" vertically when loaded with weight and returns nicely. I control the amount of flexion by changing the thickness of the foot and/or by adding some struts.
I am currently using Shapeways to print my feet so I am limited to what they have, but I am open to changing providers if there is a better one out there. The plastic in the photo is there Strong & Flexible. They also have an HP plastic which is twice the price but I wasn't able to find any info on why it would be better. I think the tensile strength is about the same but I am not sure what other characteristics I should be looking at.
Thanks, jeremy