this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2024
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My first attempt at a commercial 3D print: an asthma inhaler body that can flip into a slimmer form so it doesnt jut out and dug into legs or tear pants. What do you guys think?

Edit: Hi all, it seems like the general consensus is that this is a dangerous product. I really believed that I was making something helpful but that may not be the case. I have decided to take down the listing from Cults3D. Thank you for your feedback.

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[–] [email protected] 34 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Also, I would be extremely concerned about germs and things getting into the layer cracks. FDM printing is okay for single-use, but they can't be cleaned properly for prolonged use.

Somebody catching something because they took their medecine from an inhaler that's been floating around in their purse/pocket/backpack... is going to prove problematic. I know that medical devices require strict testing in the US.

Still it's a remarkably slick device. I'm just not sure FDM printing is the way to go here.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I agree. Admittedly I haven't dealt with the legal side in years and never outside my own country. But definitely talk to a specialist lawyer or other expert about it. Because of the oral application it might not even be the lowest level of medical device anymore. And with that comes a multitude of regulations. From durability to material to production environment.

I like the idea and as someone who had to use a dispenser in my youth, I appreciate the smaller profile of it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

FWIW, resin may be better.

But I definite, OP should chat with somebody that knows more- I just know enough to say that much.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Isn't the type of plastic used in resin prints relatively toxic?

Frankly, I'm not sure there's a good alternative to traditional manufacturing (injection molding or whatever) for this application.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

There are medical grade resins

I’ve not used them, and I’m not an expert, but I assume there’s a way to make them safe for an inhaler.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

It depends on the resin, there is resin that are food safe or even biocompatible