3D-printed wheelchair seats for the United Kingdom and Ireland
We are happy to announce the partnership between LCS and Create it REAL to provide 3D-printed seating products to their customers in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The first product to be introduced is custom seating with the option to incorporate the WheelAir ventilation system.
WheelAir cooling system
The 3D-printed seating, including the WheelAir ventilation system, will be introduced at exhibitions in 2024, starting with the Arab Health Exhibition on January 30.
The founder and owner of LCS, Luke Conway, explains why the Programmable FoamⓇ seating with WheelAir is considered a high-end product for the hot climate: “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.”
3D-printed wheelchair seats
Currently, LCS manufactures custom seating using the latest robotic milling arm technology. Different pressure areas can be added to the foam by cutting and gluing different foam densities to the seating.
With the partnership, LCS will purchase the Embrace Seat maker to produce 3D-printed seating. Not only will LCS be able to produce complete 3D printed seating systems but will also be able to incorporate 3D printed pressure relieving areas into carved foam systems. This hybrid system will enable active airflow in carved foam seats and back. Comfort for the users is one of the main drivers for introducing Programmable FoamⓇ into their product portfolio.
The CEO of Create it REAL, Jacob Nissen, looks forward to introducing the solution to the UK and Irish markets: “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. It is not only a replacement for traditional foam but an enrichment with new features such as improved airflow, washability, fire resistance, and pressure distribution unlike anything else.” He continues, “I am enthusiastic about the introduction to the UK and Irish markets and am happy to welcome LCS as a high-value partner keen to welcome the digital transformation and take their products to the next level.”
United Kingdom and Irish 3D Print Hub
LCS will establish a local print hub to serve the needs for 3D-printed seating products in the UK and Ireland. Dealers in the region will have access to an online portal. The portal will offer the choice to either; upload a custom design from a scan or choose a design from a range of predesigned cushions that can be tailored to suit their client’s pressure and positional needs.
The environmental choice
The digital transformation is also transitioning from waste-producing subtractive manufacturing to sustainable, zero-waste additive manufacturing.
Luke Conway explains, “We all have a responsibility to consider how we produce and use resources, and for LCS, it is a natural choice to be a frontrunner both in technology and regarding comfortable solutions for the users. In the 3D printed material, we see characteristics that surpass what we can achieve with traditional materials.”
A 3D printer will be installed in March and will shortly after that be ready to deliver locally produced seating products. Already now, it is possible to order from LCS and Create it REAL delivered from other print hubs. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
