When it comes to sports safety, mouthguards are often the unsung heroes, shielding athletes from severe orofacial injuries. Yet, traditional mouthguards, typically made from EVA, are now facing a challenger that could reshape the field: Sportsguard 3D-printed mouthguards. A groundbreaking study by Ohio State University College of Dentistry has revealed just how impactful this innovation is.
Why 3D Printing?
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is revolutionizing industries from aerospace to healthcare, and now it’s making waves in sports safety. Using a method known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), IMPACT and Sportsguard have developed Sportsguard 3D-printed mouthguards that don’t just match the protective qualities of traditional EVA materials—they far surpass them.
Key Findings from the Study
- Superior Impact Absorption
- Sportsguard 3D-printed mouthguards absorbed an astounding 12.9 kJ/m² of impact energy on average, compared to just 5.4 kJ/m² for EVA mouthguards. That’s a 139% improvement in impact absorption, making them significantly better at protecting athletes from high-impact forces.
- Orientation Matters
- The way the 3D-printed layers are printed makes a difference. Mouthguards with print layers oriented perpendicular to the impact force demonstrated even greater shock absorption. This ability to fine-tune the design based on specific needs is a game-changer for athletes in different sports.
- Flexible Yet Tough
- Sportsguard’s unique material properties offer the perfect balance between flexibility and durability.
- Customizability and Hygiene
- One of the standout features of 3D printing is its ability to create precise, custom-fit mouthguards on demand. This is especially important given the hygiene requirements for mouthguards, which should be replaced regularly. With 3D printing, athletes can get identical replacements quickly and cost-effectively.
Why This Matters
Traditional EVA mouthguards have served athletes well, but their limitations become apparent under extreme conditions. The superior impact absorption and durability of Sportsguard 3D-printed mouthguards could drastically reduce injuries in contact sports like football, rugby, boxing, and ice hockey. Additionally, the customizability ensures that athletes get a comfortable fit tailored to their unique needs.
The Future of Sports Protection
The implications of this study go beyond just improved safety. It paves the way for:
- On-Demand Manufacturing: Athletes can have their mouthguards printed and replaced easily.
- Enhanced Testing Protocols: The study highlights the need for updated standards to better reflect real-world scenarios, ensuring even greater reliability in protection.
- Advanced Materials: Research into innovative materials will continue to push the boundaries of safety gear.
Conclusion
This new era of mouthguard technology represents a giant leap forward in athlete protection. With superior impact absorption, customizability, and durability, Sportsguard 3D-printed mouthguards are set to redefine safety standards across all contact sports. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this innovation is worth watching closely—because when it comes to safety, better is always best.
Are you ready to embrace the future of sports protection? Feel free to reach out to us to find out more.
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