Hyperflexibility finger splint

A finger splint designed for printing and based on real 3d scanned finger data (from my friend). Intended primarily for the tips of fingers (distal phalanx, interphalangeal joint) so as to make writing painless by preventing outwards flexure of the finger - you may be better suited by another, more generalized design (such as this one) if you need a hypermobility splint for other parts of your finger.

The default sizing is for a ring or index finger - note that scaling will likely be necessary so as to get the size right for your specific finger; you can do this by measuring the dimensions of your finger with some calipers and rescaling in slicer (I recommend doing this by using the edit distance feature of the measuring tool, at least in PrusaSlicer).

🌟 Differentiating features

• Slight taper and variable elliptical cross-section to more closely follow finger geometry ensuring a better fit
• Smooth and comfortable while remaining printable

🖨 Printing

Print with a brim; you'll also want to turn your fan down as much as possible without significantly compromising on quality so as to get the layers to fuse together well ensuring isotropic strength (equal in all directions). I recommend printing with PETG or another similar material (PCTG, CPE) so as to facilitate the aforementioned while also providing the chemical resistance necessary to carry out disinfection (alcohol is recommended).

Orient the print so the arrow points towards the build plate. This is also the side that should be closer to the end of your finger when wearing the splint.

If you're getting poor quality prints, try slowing down your speeds, adjusting your retraction settings (for stringing and similar) and or playing around with the temperature and fan settings. You could also try using another material such as PLA that tends to turn out much nicer.

🔧 Post-processing

Remove any strings or similar from the print and lightly sand it if necessary. To sand it from the inside you can wrap some sandpaper around a screwdriver or pencil then sand with that. Remember to wear a mask!

Applying some sort of a clearcoat is recommended so as to prevent germs from settling in the layers with time and migrating deeper into the print. You can mix some silicone (BUT ensure it is biocide-free; usually labeled something like “aquarium silicone”) and acetone and then brush them on (or just dip the print in and then let the excess drip off) in a pinch or if clearcoats aren't readily available to you. You could also choose to print with resin so as to get a smoother and possibly less porous surface by default.