An announcement from Create It REAL describes a partnership that should enable remote 3D printing of orthopedic devices. 

Create It REAL is a Danish company we’ve covered before. Their product is a very powerful 3D printer controller board that was initially used to dramatically speed up certain brands of equipment. However, more recently the company has refocused the power of the equipment towards encryption, as the processor is able to handle the load of both decryption and machine control. 

Their new partner is Belgium-based Spentys, a software company that provides solutions for custom 3D printed orthopedic devices. They offer a cloud-based solution that involves 3D scanning, 3D modeling and 3D printing to produce custom devices for clients. 

Custom-fitted appliances are far superior to standard off-the-shelf models. According to Spentys’ co-Founder and CTO, Florian De Boeck: 

“3D printed customized splints & casts have many advantages for patients: they are lighter than traditional solutions, they are waterproof, they enable you to be still active while wearing the orthosis or cast, and the open structure makes them more comfortable.”

Spentys Configuration

What is it that the partnership will achieve? It seems that Create It REAL’s encryption / decryption capability will be integrated into Spentys’ system. 

Currently the company mostly houses their printing operations in centralized locations, where they can control activity. However, it would be more advantageous to place equipment directly at orthopedic practices, where service could be more immediate. 

There are many challenges in organizing a method and process to implement remote operation in medical offices, but one key challenge is security. That’s where Create It REAL comes in. 

Using Create It REAL’s system Spentys is able to directly control remote 3D printers in a secure manner. The stream of data between the cloud and end point will be encrypted and decrypted, preventing loss of data and ensuring successful delivery.

Secure 3D Printing

This may seem like a small thing, but I think it isn’t. As time passes the notion of personal data privacy is becoming increasingly important. It’s a wise decision by Spentys to implement a secure system immediately, and in the future they may be able to beat their competitors due to the secure nature of their system. 

It’s likely other remote 3D printing / scanning activity of this type would have similar issues. We’ve already seen 3D printed eyewear kiosks and custom shoe machines, and now I’m wondering if those systems were truly secure. 

If not, their designers might consider giving Create It REAL a call. 

Via Create It REAL (PDF)