3D-printable Open Source Hardware Developed For Sustainable Technology
Abstract
As open-source technology and additive manufacturing evolve, their advantages become increasingly evident, offering solutions to global challenges. This thesis presents the development of two open-source 3D-printable hardware tools to accelerate this trend: a melt flow index (MFI) tool and tourniquet tester. The MFI tool is introduced as a low-cost method for measuring the MFI of thermal-sensitive material, particularly assessing their suitability for recycling thermoplastics for 3D printing. The tourniquet tester provides a low-cost instrument for measuring the pressure of tourniquets to assess efficacy. This device offers a cost-effective solution to ensure the safety and functionality of these critical emergency tools including those 3-D printed from recycled materials. By making these designs open-source and reducing production costs, this initiative aims to lower the barriers to use recycled plastics in 3-D printing of high-value medical and scientific devices. Together, these devices support the creation of effective emergency medical tools in resource-limited settings.