14 DAY TRIAL // 3D printing, at the consumer level at least, is still too expensive and too much of a hassle to be anything more than a costly hobby. But things are improving and, already, there are some practical applications where 3D printing is better than the alternative, and cheaper too.
A team of researchers have used 3D printing techniques to create a powered prosthetic hand, the Handie, that's significantly cheaper than traditionally manufactured ones. The project was shown off at the Maker Faire Tokyo, as Engadget notes.
The goal of the Handie project was to cut costs. That's why it's built almost entirely by 3D printing, only the motors powering it can't be replicated. It's also why the hand is operated by a mobile phone app and not a built-in processor. Finally, the team devised a method for operating a finger, with three joints, with just one motor.
All the innovations mean the Handie can be sold for about $400 (€296), making smart prosthetic arms a possibility for a lot more people than ever before.
What's more, because each component is 3D-printable, the hand can be easily repaired if something breaks down. Another big benefit is that it can be improved on the go, if a new design for a component comes out, you can simply print it out, fit it to the hand, and that's it.
Of course, it also means that the device can be custom built to suit the needs of the wearer and that it can be customized to give it some personality.
Handie is not as capable or as powerful as some more expensive models, but the team wanted to focus on something functional and cheap, something that would be affordable enough for a lot of people who would not have an alternative.
There's still some work to be done though. While the current model is fully functioning, the researchers want to make it lighter and more portable. They also want to eliminate the need for wires.
