Public Lends a 3D-Printed Hand to Disabled Children

Aug. 17, 2015
More than 3600 e-Nable volunteers are helping to 3D print prosthetic hands for children that need them.

Over 3600 e-Nable members have taken up the cause to provide 3D-printed, low-cost prosthetic hands to children with depleted grasping function. Parents, engineers, physical-therapists, and even grade-school kids are stepping up to the plate, printing custom hands within a few hours for less than $50. The volunteer network is open to new hand designs and ideas, and continually looks for members that own 3D printers to offer their services. Users can find local 3D printers by messaging e-Nable on Facebook or emailing [email protected]).

In this gallery, we take a look at several available designs. Instructions and files for building the hands can be found at www.enablingthefuture.org, and most designs are highly customizable. The website also features several tutorial videos, and it offers lists of required parts for specific hands, along with part-order URLs and suppliers. 

Sponsored Recommendations

The Digital Thread: End-to-End Data-Driven Manufacturing

May 1, 2024
Creating a Digital Thread by harnessing end-to-end manufacturing data is providing unprecedented opportunities to create efficiencies in the world of manufacturing.

Medical Device Manufacturing and Biocompatible Materials

May 1, 2024
Learn about the critical importance of biocompatible materials in medical device manufacturing, emphasizing the stringent regulations and complex considerations involved in ensuring...

VICIS Case Study

May 1, 2024
The team at VICIS turned to SyBridge and Carbon in order to design and manufacture protective helmet pads, leveraging the digitization and customization expertise of Toolkit3D...

What's Next for Additive Manufacturing?

May 1, 2024
From larger, faster 3D printers to more sustainable materials, discover several of the top additive manufacturing trends for 2023 and beyond.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!