Functional prototype of multifuncional hand prosthetic – This development is still in progress
Every single part was designed to be 3D printed with a good desktop FDM 3D printer, thinking of the relation between efforts and printing orientation to get the most durable device. Every functionnality of the prosthesis is easy to use.
Who ?
Our 3D printed hand prosthetic is dedicated for people with transradial amputation or born without the hand or the wrist. The average length of forearm compatibility should be between 100mm and 200mm starting at elbow articulation.
What is the purpose of the device?
(Re)gain autonomy on as many applications as possible : dailies, works, hobbies and sports.
Why ?
Most of prosthetic hand are expensive, there is also some very accessible 3D printed ones. We printed and studied existing 3D prosthetics hands and found their functionalities very limited. By exchanging with disabled people we came to the conclusion that an esthetic hand is an essantial need but its functions will always be limited. So we decided to create a very multipurpose prosthetic hand that can be made with FDM desktop 3D printers, easy to use and built to last.
How ?
Our prosthetic allow to use an infinite choice of devices on the same cuff. Considering endless possibilities, we are still developping the most efficient design to allow a maximum of applications with a minimum accessories. We are 100% open to design a custom accessory to fit your needs.
Hand and arm prosthetic 2022
This is the last version of the prototype of 3D printing prosthetic hand. It offer a smoother design with a better parts integration. The wrist was reduced and the hand can turn 180°. The thumb rotation axis has also been changed, its resting position is now in opposition with the palm of the hand. The resting position of the thumb is more convinient for walking. The fingers are still 3D print with TPU to conserve their silent activation. They are covered with PLA.
It is still possible to quickly remove the hand and connect accessory in place.
Basic features :
The flexion of the elbow and forearm allow to close the fingers to catch objects.
The following version of the hand has the thumb and index fingers in direct opposition, meaning that the best grip is made by these fingers.
Wrist rotation :
The hand can turn 180°, this movement is divided by 5 blocked positions every 45°.
Hand at 0°
Advanced feature :
The hand can be removed and replaced by any custom accessory or a newest hand version.
The hand or accesories gently slide into the wrist and are maintained by two grooves, the end of the movement is define by two ribs. The ring ensure a second maintain of the accessory in place and can be open/closed by rotating it. The ring positions are also defined by ribs and stopper. The system was designed to be easy to use with one hand.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong | Thumb could be modified to catch larger objects |
| Quiet : there is absolutely no mechanical noise thanks to TPU articulated fingers | No tensioner adjustment |
| Easily customizable : colors, textures and shape | The grip strength could (always) be increase |
Older version : Hand and arm prosthetic 2021
Aesthetic hand
This hand is made of an ABS inner frame covered by black PLA skin.
Flexible fingers are made of TPU 98A covered by aesthetic PLA skin (silky white in our example). Fingers tips have a neoprene strip to offer an excellent grip.
Side view of the aesthetic hand with thumb on prehension position
Tool hand
An exemple of a tool hand, it was 3D printed with ABS and the cover with TPU. It can be rotated 360° and inclined by 30°, there is an option already in place to get some fixed positions.
The front side has 4 slots to quick connect small tools that can be stored inside the TPU cover. The sides can receive some bigger accessories.
