3D Printed Finger Prosthetics
A Washington-based prosthetics company is using 3D printing to create custom finger prosthetics for digit amputees.
Naked Prosthetics works with clinics, independent prosthetists, physicians and surgeons to produce simple, functional biomechanical prosthetics fingers (BPF). The company is the brainchild of Colin Macduff, who founded the company in 2012 after fabricating the first BPF device out of spare parts in his garage following the amputation of his own finger.
Each model is customised to the needs and lifestyle of the individual and prototyped using the Formlabs Form 1+ 3D printer. Using the desktop machine allows the company to make quick design changes, experiment with new models and test functionality of each design.
The delivery time for each device takes around 10-12 weeks once the wearer has returned their sizing details and completed an authorisation process with the help of a clinician. Prototyping with a 3D printer means the initial testing and moulding processes can be completed in rapid time and get the device to the customer much faster than with conventional prototyping methods.
Prosthetics mould 3D printed in Tough Resin.
The company recently won Formlabs’ Tough Resin competition to mark the launch of its new functional resin that delivers a ABS-like prints with high strength and resistance. Naked Prosthetics COO Jon Bengtsson explained how he wanted to see if Tough Resin could hold up to the demands of the amputee community and be applied to their products.
The BPF is designed to function like a natural finger and after 3-6 months of wearing it allows users to complete daily tasks from simply holding objects to typing and playing sports. The idea behind the device is to end the stigma of amputation and create innovative prosthetics that are accurate, durable and cost-effective.
