Advanced manufacturing manager at fi additive Derek Manson said creating parts for boats, bikes and general machinery was something his company was used to dealing with.
But after receiving funding from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund in 2019, the company bought a $250,000-plus revolutionary post-processing additive manufacturing machine with the aim of taking additive manufacturing and prosthetics to the next level.
The machine was "essentially the only technology of its kind and the only one in Australasia", he said.
"The PostPro3D offered endless opportunities, not just for the medical industry, but also for aerospace, automotive and every industry in between when it comes to optimising part production, enhancing their smoothness and generating products with unbeatable airtightness."
The company had been working with national healthcare providers to empower those living with disabilities, Mr Manson said.
When the team got the opportunity to be a part of building prosthetics through additive manufacturing, it was a "no-brainer".
"From manufacturing an artificial leg to designing and then turning a concept of a kayaking arm into a reality, it has been the most rewarding and worthwhile work we’ve done yet."
The introduction of this machine on the market would help to reduce surface quality issues, which were commonly associated with 3-D printing.
There would be a far lesser risk of bacterial infections and the element of increased comfort."
The machine itself could process hundreds of parts in just a few hours, Mr Manson said.
