3D Printing in Prosthetics: Expanding Access and Customization

3D printing is not a new technology, but its effective application in prosthetics is helping expand access to affordable, customizable devices for individuals who might otherwise go without. This innovation is particularly impactful in underserved populations and for children, where cost and the need for customization have traditionally been significant barriers.

 

Victoria Hand Project: A Model for Accessibility

The Victoria Hand Project (VHP) is an excellent example of how 3D printing technology can be used to make prosthetics accessible to those without traditional prosthetic services. By using 3D printers to create custom-fit arm sockets and components, VHP ensures that more individuals around the world can benefit from prosthetic solutions.

Custom Fit for All: VHP employs 3D scanning and printing to produce arm sockets tailored to the unique anatomy of each user. This personalization increases comfort and wearability.

Global Outreach: By partnering with local clinics in underserved regions, VHP delivers prosthetic solutions to communities that face significant barriers to access.

  

The Role of Collaboration

Marins Med is proud to support VHP’s mission by contributing to the testing of a wrist attachment compatible with VHP’s 3D-printed arm. This attachment integrates the ProHensor, ensuring it meets the rigorous requirements for real-world use.

This collaboration represents a blending of efforts: VHP’s focus on affordable, accessible solutions through 3D printing and Marins Med’s commitment to durable, high-performance designs. Together, these efforts help ensure that users receive prosthetics that are both functional and reliable.

What Makes 3D Printing Effective in Prosthetics?

While not a groundbreaking technology, 3D printing offers unique advantages for prosthetic design:

 

• Affordability: By reducing material waste and simplifying manufacturing processes, 3D printing lowers production costs.
• Customization: Each prosthetic can be personalized to fit the user's anatomy and preferences.
• Local Manufacturing: Portable 3D printers enable prosthetic production in remote or underserved areas, reducing logistical challenges.

 

These advantages are transforming access to prosthetic care, especially for children, who require frequent replacements as they grow, and for individuals in low-resource settings.  

Balancing Innovation and Durability

Despite the benefits of 3D printing, challenges remain. Many 3D-printed devices face durability limitations, making them less suitable for the demands of daily life. This is where Marins Med’s design philosophy complements the accessibility provided by 3D printing:

 

• Long-Term Durability: The ProHensor is built to withstand rigorous use, providing reliability that 3D-printed materials may struggle to match.
• Serviceability: Designed for easy maintenance, the ProHensor ensures continued functionality and longevity.
• Accessibility within Insurance Parameters: Marins Med focuses on affordability through alignment with medical insurance, ensuring that advanced prosthetics are accessible to more users.

 

By combining accessibility with durability, we aim to provide users with the tools they need to live active, fulfilling lives.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The effective use of 3D printing in prosthetics is not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about using proven technology to solve persistent challenges in access and affordability. Marins Med’s collaboration with the Victoria Hand Project is one step toward bridging the gap between innovative design and real-world practicality, ensuring more people can benefit from prosthetic advancements.

By continuing to prioritize accessibility, customization, and durability, we are helping to create a future where no one is left without the tools they need to thrive.