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Hi, I had a mastectomy two years ago without reconstruction. The available prosthesis requires wearing a bra. I have small breasts, or breast rather, and cannot get used to wearing a bra. I would like to make a very lightweight prosthesis that I could attach to my skin with body tape, or tape to the inside of my clothing. My idea is to make a mold of my left breast using plaster casting material, then cast the breast with plaster (or another material?) I could send this cast or the mold) to you (or another 3-D printer you recommend?). You would have to be able to make a mirror image of the cast, simulating my removed right breast, then print it with whatever lightweight material is most suitable. Is this possible? Can you guide me here? I know this must be a very unusual request. I appreciate any help. There is no 3-D printer in my area.

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Hi @crystalwakoa, there’s two options you could use here. You could have the prosthetic itself 3D printed (so you’d receive the “finished” part) or you could have the mould 3D printed, then produce your own positive(s). The advantage of having the mould printed is that it would allow you to experiment with your own materials, some of which may not be available for 3D printing. You’ll probably want to find a material that is flexible and comfortable, possibly even with the ability to mix it to match your skin tone, which could be tricky with 3D printing.

In either case, the first step is producing a digital model of the breast or mould, so you’ll need that plaster cast negative. Depending upon which way you choose to go, you’ll either then need to have that cast itself 3D scanned (then mirrored) to produce the digital mould for printing, or have a positive produced (either by yourself or another company), which itself is then scanned (and mirrored) so it can be printed.

It’s not a problem there being no printer in your area; the whole process could be carried out via post, though obviously you’ll need to examine and maybe adapt any finished models you receive.

Whereabouts are you?

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Sounds like a great project.

I think it would be time saving to 3D scan your left breast, mirror it in CAD, and 3D print as a negative shape, and maybe use something like Dragon skin to make a prosthetic.

maybe there is a hub in your neighbourhood who can do this for you, I am in Holland, and probably too far away :slight_smile:

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Hi Cobnut, Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. You are helping me think through what the process would entail. I appreciate your suggestion that there are really two options. I like the idea of experimenting with my own materials. I am in Tallahassee Florida. The nearest 3-D printer is north of Atlanta, a good six hours from me. But I just remembered that I’m going to NYC in May and could most likely find a 3-D printer shop who would be willing to help me, whichever way I decide to go. Again, I thank you so very much for your kind and helpful reply.

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Thank you Xeno. Yes, you are a bit too far away to help me :slight_smile: I am in north Florida and the nearest 3-D printer is a good six hours away. But I just remembered I’m going to NYC in May. I’m sure I’ll be able to find a printer there, especially with my son-in-law’s help (who is half Dutch :slight_smile:

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Let me know if you can get anybody to help you, if not I can scan the plaster copy for you for free, and make the mold and try to make a rubber replacement for free, you just have to pay for shipping and materials.

good luck :slight_smile:

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Hi @crystalwakoa there seem to be quite a few Hubs closer than Atlanta, you can browse them in this list:

https://goo.gl/ybij4o (shortened URL, it’s here on 3DHubs)

Hmm, looks like you may need to use an incognito window, or log out of 3DHubs to see the list…

Jon

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Hi @crystalwakoa would it be ok if we shared your post on your social media channels, to drive more advice and help to the page?

@cobnut highlights a great idea in regard to the mold, as it then gives you more flexibility and choice with materials.

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Hi, sorry for late reply. I will work on this when I go to NYC in May. I know who to contact if I don’t succeed in NY. You all have been so helpful. I am grateful.