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3D-Printed Prosthetics

28 Prosthetics are tools used by people who have lost—or have
never had—a part of their body, such as an arm, a leg, or a hand.

Using a prosthetic limb can help someone participate in
activities that most people take for granted—walking, picking
Noses and eyes can
be printed with things up, drawing, or even playing sports.
medical-grade silicone. 29 It used to take weeks or even months to design prosthetics,
and they have traditionally been very expensive, costing tens of
thousands of dollars. For kids who need prosthetics, that’s especially
tough because they outgrow them every year, and active kids may
accidently break their prosthetic. For people who live in countries

without adequate medical care—they often have to go without.

30 3D printing technology has already begun to remove these
barriers. The organization Enabling the Future connects

universities and medical researchers who specialize in 3D
printing technology with people around the world who need
prosthetics. The prosthetic hands that they design—with fingers
that can pinch and grab—cost less than a pair of shoes!

31 Beyond limbs, some people need prosthetic noses or ears.
Because our faces are such an important part of our self-image,
3D imaging and printing professionals have worked extra hard
to make facial prosthetics look as realistic as possible. Designers

use 3D scanners to make sure they match the person’s skin color,
freckles, and wrinkles as closely as possible.

A 6-year-old uses a customized
prosthetic hand that can be
inexpensively made with a
3D printer.

prosthetics Prosthetics are parts of the body that are artificial and are used to
replace natural ones.

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