3D printers create larger crash test dummies

It may not have taken the print world by storm but from air craft parts to reconstructing broken bones and making prosthetic limbs, the technology has made inroads by creating new markets.

One area that has been developed is crash test dummies in car destruction tests. However, in America, where one third of the adult population are overweight, 3D printers have been used to make larger crash test dummies.

“According to the university, traditional crash test dummies do not truly reflect the way an average person looks but do reflect the size and shape of the average human”

Researchers at the University of Michigan have used 3D printing to create heavier crash test dummies that are more representative of the size of the average American. According to the university, traditional crash test dummies do not truly reflect the way an average person looks but do reflect the size and shape of the average human.

Until now dummies have been given a slim and athletic build, which does not reflect the size and weight of an average occupant of a car.

Another factor involved in the printing of the dummies is the larger the person, the more likely they will have a fatal car crash, so statistics indicate say the researchers.

An average overweight man is, say the university, around 19 stone while the dummies to date have represented a man of less than half that weight, thus giving false results to potential injuries in a crash.