Project data
Type
Authors
Robert Arden
Status
Years
2015
Made
Yes
Replicated
No
Cost
USD 2.32
This technology is an OSAT appropriate technology as it will provide a medical tool for others to use that may not have this technology available to them. The parts of this tool are easily printed and the hardware is nowhere near excessive for someone who has a 3D printer. 3DPrint.com has an article about using 3D printed surgical tools in low income countries but only include the most simple retractor. As far as I can tell nobody has made a 3D printed Alm retractor before this.
Bill of Materials
STL Files
1x File:Retractor Bolt Handle.stl
2x File:Retractor Bolt Retainer.stl
1x File:Retractor Expander Mount.stl
1x File:Retractor Screw Mount.stl
2x File:Retractor Arm.stl <-- Need to mirror this part for one arm
2x File:Retractor Extending Arm.stl
SCAD Files
File:Retractor Bolt Handle.scad
File:Retractor Bolt Retainer.scad
File:Retractor Expander Mount.scad
File:Retractor Screw Mount.scad
File:Retractor Arm.scad
File:Retractor Extending Arm.scad
Additional Hardware
2x M3x0.5 10mm screw cost=$0.13
2x M3x0.5 12mm screw cost=$0.15
2x M3x0.5 16mm screw cost=$0.16
1x M8x1 50mm bolt cost=$0.39
1x M8x1 nut cost=$0.09
Tools needed
MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
2.5mm Allen Wrench
Pliers
Skills and knowledge needed
Only standard 3D printing skills are needed for this project
Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions
Including drawings or pictures of the device at stage of assembly at minimum. (Upload)
Printing
Print parts at quantities indicated on left - approximate print time is 6 hours at 40 mm/s and 100% fill
1x File:Retractor Bolt Handle.stl
Print with hex pocket upward, low fill can be used
2x File:Retractor Bolt Retainer.stl
Print with hole upwards, 100% fill is recommended
1x File:Retractor Expander Mount.stl
Print with large hole pointed upwards, medium fill is recommended
1x File:Retractor Screw Mount.stl
Print with hex pocket upwards, medium fill is recommended
2x File:Retractor Arm.stl <-- Need to mirror this part for one arm
Print with tissue grips upward, medium fill recommended, 25% support structure is necessary for slot
2x File:Retractor Extending Arm.stl
Print with holes upward, 100% fill is necessary
Assembly
Approximate assembly time is 30 minutes
Place small extension arms into large retractor arms
Use M3x10mm screws to hold into place
Place other end of extension arms into the expander mount
Secure arms with the M3x12mm screws
Push bolt head into hex pocket on handle
Push hex nut into hex pocket on bolt mount
Insert bolt through hole in bolt mount and thread into nut until bolt is flush with nut face
Take one bolt retainer and hold it flush against the nut face
Rotate the bolt by hand until the bolt is through the retainer and about 15 mm of bolt is protruding
Attach the retractor arm assembly to the bolt mount
Use the two M3x16mm screws to secure the arms, make sure the bolt head sits in the pocket
Push expander mount onto bolt and thread last expander mount onto bolt
Tighten up the first bolt retainer so that the expander mount cannot twist but the bolt rotates freely
Verify range of motion is not inhibited
If range of motion is fine then retractor is ready to use
Cost savings
Page data
Authors
Robert Arden
License
CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations
MTU, Michigan_Tech's_Open_Sustainability_Technology_Lab, MY4777
Cite as
Robert Arden (2015–2024). "Alm Retractor" . Appropedia. Retrieved November 28, 2025 .