ORIGINAL PAPER
Fabrication of a Lower Limb Prosthetic Socket using Topology Optimization and Additive Manufacturing
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1
Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Medi-caps University, A.B. Road, Pigdamber Indore-453331, Madhya Pradesh, India, India
2
Mechanical Engineering, Medi-Caps University, India
3
Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal-462003, Madhya Pradesh, India
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-10-16
Final revision date: 2026-04-08
Acceptance date: 2026-05-06
Online publication date: 2026-08-17
Corresponding author
Chitresh Nayak
Mechanical Engineering, Medi-Caps University, Indore, India
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The contact between the artificial leg (prosthesis) and an amputees residual limb is a significant factor in the success of prosthetic fitting and overall comfort. An improper interface can result in issue such as pressure sores, skin irritation, residual limb pain and discomfort for the amputee. The prosthetic socket bridges the gap between the two. In this work, the customized complex geometry of the prosthetic socket is developed using advanced 3D scanning technology of the residual limb. Following the accurate 3D scan of the residual limb, the development of a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model is a critical next step in the development of customized prosthetic socket. The raw 3D scan data undergoes a process that transforms the information into a more refined and functional design suitable for manufacturing the socket. Given the strength-to-weight ratio already presented as a challenge for socket, the prosthetic socket needs to be made as light as possible. This makes it challenging to maintain strength and optimal structure for the prosthetic socket by just removing unwanted material; therefore, the topology optimization technique is adopted. The process revealed that extra material existed at the stress location on the socket. In the following stage a new customized design is developed possessing low weight maintaining the structural as well as functional integrity of the socket. The final geometry of the customized socket is almost impossible to fabricate from conventional method. Hence it was printed using Fused Deposition Method (FDM), and used for the patient.
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