3D printer makes artificial hands for kids

Imagine trying to complete everyday tasks with just one hand.

Volunteers around the world, including students at Alexandria Country Day School (ACDS) in Virginia, are using 3D printers to create free prosthetics, or artificial limbs, for kids.

The model ACDS chose, the Raptor Reloaded, requires a bendable wrist to work. Flex the wrist downward, and the fingers and thumb can grip things such as bottles, balls, books or bicycle handles. Raise the wrist to release its grip.

The students have partnered with non-profit group Enabling the Future (also known as eNable), which gives hands to kids around the world.

E-Nable’s 16 designs and instructions are available free online. With access to a 3D printer, a hand can be produced for less than $50.

Taylor Grace Peterson, 12, seemed in awe as she said, “It’s pretty cool how you can make a hand for a kid who needs one, and it doesn’t cost a lot of money.”

The prostheses are created from common materials: plastic filament, nylon cord, fishing line, Velcro and screws.

Depending on the hand’s size and the speed of the 3D printer, melting the filament to build Raptor’s 36 parts usually takes 10 to 18 hours.

Screws and fishing line adjust the fingers’ grip — like adjusting tension on guitar strings. Nylon cord helps control the grip’s release. Velcro secures the prosthetic to the recipient’s wrist.

“We can’t rush these,” teacher Scott Lieberman said. “They have to work properly.”

The first recipient will be a 10-year-old boy in New Mexico who was born without a left hand. He is a huge Denver Broncos fan, so the prosthesis, built to his measurements, is orange and blue — the team’s colours.

“The beautiful part of it being so cheap to build,” Lieberman said, “is if the prototype we send next week isn’t perfect, we can adjust it and send him another one.”

Kids needing hands can learn how to make their own prosthetics. E-Nable’s volunteers will walk them and their families through the process.

As the child grows, hands can be re-sized or repaired.

As 12-year-old Alban Erdle pointed out: “Having a second hand that looks cool helps them fit in better.”

TRY IT

Those with access to a 3D printer might want to try making a prosthetic hand. Designs and directions are free from E-Nable. Check out the Prosthetic Kids Hand Challenge at handchallenge.com.