LCS and Create it REAL Partner to Improve Wheelchair Comfort with 3D Printing

According to a joint report by WHO and UNICEF, 2.5 billion people require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or cognitive and communication support applications. However, nearly a billion of them lack access to these crucial aids. Additionally, discomfort and pain are common issues with conventional wheelchairs. Addressing this challenge, LCS, a company specializing in wheelchair seating solutions, has announced its partnership with Create it REAL, a leading provider of 3D printing technologies. Together, they aim to introduce 3D printed wheelchair seats in Ireland and the UK, enhancing comfort and accessibility for users.

The featured product is a custom-made chair with the option to incorporate the WheelAir ventilation system. By integrating this system into the chairs, users can effectively regulate body temperature and maintain a comfortable skin microclimate, primarily through heat evaporation. This functionality aids in preventing the accumulation of excessive heat and humidity. Currently, these 3D printed seats are recognized as premium offerings, suitable for warmer climates.

Photo Credits: Create it REAL

The Comfort of 3D Printed Wheelchair Seats

LCS currently manufactures customized seating solutions using the latest robotic milling technology. In this process, robots are programmed to cut and shape materials precisely. This method binds different foam densities, creating specific pressure zones that enhance seating comfort.

Addressing the critical issue of seating comfort and health, the innovation behind 3D printed seats continues to revolutionize the industry. Speaking on seat’s improved comfortability, Luke Conway, founder of LCS, explained:

Heat and moisture are one of the contributing factors to decubitus ulcers, 3D-printed cushions allow heat and moisture to be drawn away from the skin easily. When we add WheelAir to the cushion we create an active airflow through the cushion which provides a cooling effect for the cushion user. The 3D-printed gyroid structure is perfect for distributing the air evenly so the temperature remains constant and the skin is non-humid.”

Thanks to this partnership, LCS can now create fully 3D-printed seats and incorporate pressure relief zones, which are also 3D printed, into sculpted foam systems. The paramount focus remains on user comfort. LCS claims that their customized seats and cushions are of unparalleled quality, featuring a well-ventilated internal structure that ensures breathability. Moreover, their machine-washable design not only enhances hygiene but provides additional pressure relief, further elevating comfort levels. Speaking on the foam within the seating, Jacob Nissen, CEO of Create it REAL, stated, “Programmable Foam^Ⓡ is not just an alternative to traditional foam but represents a unique capability to produce seating with implemented softness and hardness zones to fit the user’s pressure and positional needs.”

Photo Credits: Create it REAL

Currently, CS is establishing a local printing center to address the growing demand for 3D-printed seating across the UK and Ireland. Through an online portal, local dealers will gain access to upload customized designs derived from scans or select from a range of predefined cushions. These cushions are adaptable to accommodate the individual pressure and positioning needs of each customer. You can learn more about this project here.

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*Cover Photo Credits: Freepik