Comforthosis by Kiyoharu Nakajima

3D printed finger orthosis for individual healing

3D printing has clearly no limit. The Comforthosis project, by young designer Kiyoharu Nakajima, supported by Visiotech GmbH and Objet GmbH, surely will not contradict that reflexion. Kiyoharu Nakajima developed it to deliver an ideal solution when dealing with extended or flexor tendon injuries in middle and end joints. The principle requires modelling the hurt finger via a 3D scanner and collecting related digital data, before creating tailor-made orthoses with a CAD program that enables printing with a 3D-plotter. Just like any bandage, the finger orthoses protect the injured fingers with a precise structure and enable the skin to breathe, thanks to the given space.

Wearers will also appreciate the liberty of movements given to the finger, the model adapting naturally to their different gestures. Personalising the structure goes even further: the orthosis can be printed in a wide range of colors and density, depending on the treatment stage. Reducing the components used to gain in flexibleness and comfort without minimising the cure’s benefits – what a genius concept! If we tell you Kiyoharu Nakajima was multi-awarded (Universal design award 2012, Universal design consumer favorite 2012, 1. Price, Rapid Tech Student Design Award 2012, Gold Award Student, Materialica Design and Technologie Award 2012) for the Comforthosis project, we bet you will not doubt our word!