Week 7: The 3D Alternative

For this blog post I would like to focus on the uses and practicality of 3D printing in the world of prosthetics. The development and commercialized use of 3D printing has been adapted to this extremely specified field. As the devices became more readily available, so did the accessibility for creators to make more specialized 3D prints.

The first 3D printed prosthetic hands came in a series of parts all combined together usually needing some construction to be used by the patient. Slowly but surely more and more progress has been made to make the hands both more functional and cheaper. A new type of blueprint no longer requires the assembly and makes such a device in a single part. This type of prosthetic can be created for approximately 400$ compared to the nearly 100,000$ price tag on an iLimb device. Using the nylon 3D material the hand is both much slimmer and lighter, also requiring no power it still allows him the ability to open and close his fingers with the movement of his wrist. With the increasing public designs out on the internet there are even adaptations for such a prosthetic which can allow different movements of the fingers allowing the user to adapt to hold specific types of tools (the ability to hold a guitar, a violin, a hammer etc.).

While less sleek and functional than the iLimb device they can have huge benefits for those who are unable to afford such an expensive device. In areas of the world unable to access high-tech medical equipment these hands are another amazing option. They have so many benefits especially with children. Firstly, children are growing and are highly adaptable allowing them to pick up and use the movements much more effectively. Secondly, as they grow they are going to need different sizes of prosthetics to fit their larger limbs. The cheapness of the 3D printed hand allows just for that, even going through 10 different 3D printed hands is a fraction of the cost of the iLimb. As in all business, it will inevitably come down to demand. How many people need the device and what is the most cost-efficient way of satisfying that demand. And because the market is so small it is unlikely that the most advanced prosthetics will significantly reduce in price, pushing consumers toward the 3D alternative.