Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Fall 10-5-2026

Abstract

Advancements in 3D printing technology have revolutionized the manufacturing of medical instruments, offering new possibilities for creating customized and cost-effective tools. This study investigates the mechanical properties and breaking points of 3D printed scalpel handles using three different thermoplastic materials: Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), Polylactic Acid (PLA), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The handles were designed to replicate standard surgical scalpel dimensions and were printed using identical parameters across all samples to ensure consistency. Mechanical testing, including tensile and flexural strength tests, was conducted on all specimens to determine their breaking points under stress typically encountered during surgical procedures. Results were analyzed using ANOVA: Single Factor. The analysis revealed significant differences between the three materials (F(2,30) = 594.24, p < 0.001). PLA demonstrated the highest average breaking point (M = 22.69 N, SD = 2.05 N), followed by ABS (M = 18.76 N, SD = 1.63 N), and finally PETG (M = 1.73 N, SD = 0.17 N). The substantial variance in performance among the materials highlights the importance of material selection in 3D printed medical instruments. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the application of additive manufacturing in medical device production and underscores the potential for customized, cost-effective surgical tool development using 3D printing technologies. Further research is needed to explore the long-term durability and sterilization compatibility of these materials in clinical settings.

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