e-NABLE 3D printing prosthetic devices

Devices must be affordable and light. The prosthetics should provide full range of motion, matching adduction and abduction degrees of typical human motion. Also, it must ensure patient comfort and is easy to put on. Designers wanted it to be durable, in order to withstand all operating conditions for 1-2 years. Finally, design should be reproducible, to be easily printed and improved in all parts of the world.

Provided by the volunteer and the e-NABLE Community.

Depends on the usage and the material selected. The hands hold up efficiently to activities like riding a bike, throwing a ball, swimming, and others. The Gripper Hand endures 60 pounds of pressure. The hands sustained minor damage, but survived. Additionally, the hands can also be printed in a variety of materials, including very durable nylon.

A group of students has conducted initial impact testing by dropping the hands from a height of several stories. The hand resisted a 5 story fall, demonstrating its resilience and durability.

The e-NABLE Community recommends that children be at least 3 years old before wearing a device due to the choking hazards that small parts pose and so that children can have the chance to learn to do everyday things without a helper hand.