MIX Maker Consultant Creates His First 3D Printed Prosthetic Hand

MIX Maker Technologist Denys Kuratchenko was recently certified as a maker by E-nabling The Future, a global community of digital humanitarians who create free 3D printed prosthetic hands and arms for individuals who have lost them from disease, accident, war, or natural disaster. Each recipient will receive a prosthetic that is measured to their sizes and specifically created to suit their functional needs.

Denys' first prosthetic hand prototype is made out of around 300 grams PLA and took over thirty hours of research, discussion, and installation - this includes fitting printed parts, connecting lines and strings that function as tendons, and adjusting tensions for the hand to grip properly and over forty hours of printing and reprinting time. Note that the actual device to be donated will be made of either nylon or PETG.

Aside from looking for potential donees, Denys plans on making another prosthetic hand with a more sophisticated design that will provide a stronger grip and better precision and control that can rival professionally-made prosthetic devices.

Denys with his first prosthetic hand

If you’re interested in creating prosthetics to help other people (like Denys) or if you know individuals who may need prosthetic hands, feel free to reach out through this link. You can also check out E-nabling the Future's website at: http://enablingthefuture.org

Denys is currently a senior studying Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) at GMU. He is a maker consultant for 3D printing and basic 3D modeling, soldering, laser cutting, upper limb assistive device (prosthetic hand) making, and SLA 3D printing at MIX@Innovation this Fall semester.

Author: Michelle Melo