BarluParts 3D and the USC Socket System
The inventor and founder is Philipp Barluschke. The unique Ultra Soft Comfort prosthetic socket system and the company BarluParts3D, which specializes in custom manufacturing for medical supply stores and orthopaedic technicians, are the results of his 30 years of practical experience as a prosthetic user, extensive professional experience as a machining technician and CAD/CAM/CNC specialist in the industry, as well as innovative additive manufacturing processes and materials (3D printing).
For years, 3D printing has increasingly been used in the field of orthopaedic technology. The use of automated, customized manufacturing processes is particularly evident in the production of custom-made assistive devices. Despite some positive examples in the field of orthotics, successes have so far largely fallen short of the possibilities. Why?
3D Printing in Arm and Leg Prosthetics
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The specialist journal ORTHOPÄDIE TECHNIK reported in its June 2019 issue that, so far, orthopaedic technicians have mostly replicated old product designs intended for conventional manufacturing using additive methods (i.e., 3D printing). However, the new materials used in additive manufacturing have different mechanical properties and therefore require novel product designs.
This is precisely where the success concept of the Ultra Soft Comfort prosthetic socket system lies.
Inspired by bionic structures, we have found a way to design prosthetic sockets for both upper and lower extremities that provide the necessary stability while also offering unique new properties:
- Pleasantly soft surface, yet without impeding force transfer between the stump and the prosthesis.
- Extreme mechanical durability, especially in leg prosthetics, where the prosthesis must withstand significant forces.
- Absolute shape stability and precision—a notable advantage compared to traditional materials used in orthopaedic technology.
- Excellent thermoregulation, as the micro-air chambers integrated within the core of the socket wall provide temperature balance, which is felt as a pleasant cooling effect.
- Antibacterial and hypoallergenic material (tested for in-vitro cytotoxicity according to DIN EN ISO 10993-5).
- Significantly reduced weight: approximately one-third lighter compared to HTV silicone.
Is there a stronger motivation than personal involvement?
As a prosthetic user since early childhood due to a congenital forearm dysmelia, I am well aware of the issues associated with wearing a prosthesis: sweating inside the socket, skin irritations, pressure sores, inadequate socket adhesion, and even allergies at the stump. Therefore, I have made it my mission to improve the lives of prosthetic users where it matters most: at the stump-socket interface.
The USC prosthetic socket is the result of years of experience and development.
Initially developed for arm prosthetics, the USC socket has now also proven its effectiveness in a specialized form for leg prosthetics, including knee disarticulation and thigh prostheses.
BarluParts 3D in Press
ORTHOPÄDIE TECHNIK
3D-Druck als Chance für das Handwerk
Fachartikel der Fachzeitschrift ORTHOPÄDIE TECHNIK
Online veröffentlicht in der Rubrik Best of OT / Digitalisierung
SAT.1 Frühstücksfernsehen
SAT.1-Frühstücksfernsehen vom 01.08.2017: Philipp lässt sich nicht unterkriegen!
Philipp hat seit seiner Geburt eine Fehlbildung: ihm fehlt der rechte Unterarm. Aber er hadert nicht mit seinem Schicksal - er macht alles, was ihm Spaß macht!
SWR Magazin
https://swrmediathek.de/player.htm?show=1cbb7160-1d7b-11e9-9a07-005056a12b4c&fbclid=IwAR3kQxpvNvQCudsyslmA5eeFagns1VvCWNGHxj9quhmCMpzVIQFMKOG5BuA