Generation Bionic


There have been a myriad of technological advancements in recent years such as developments in quantum engineering and genetic devices, but today's focus will be that of the wonder of 3D printing and how it is helping those who have experienced something many of us cannot imagine. 3D printing itself is the process of employing digital files to compose strong three dimensional objects, and although it is excellent for replicating the Statue of Liberty for instance, it is also apt for creating things much more human-like.

On a daily basis many of us are able to write, pick things up and walk around without even thinking about it. It’s a normal occurrence. Yet for an estimated 30 million people, such daily tasks cannot be done with ease as they are in need of a prosthetic limb or other forms of support to help them. Sadly, only one fifth of those actually receive the devices they need. Yet 3D printing is gradually helping to overcome this by offering prosthetic limbs that will ultimately be cheaper, less time consuming to make and more easily adaptable to growing bodies.

Prosthetics available today can cost anywhere between hundreds to thousands of pounds, as well as the fact that the manufacturing process often takes several months. Furthermore, children quickly grow out of their prosthetic limbs (every 6 to 12 months), and the nature in which they are made is certainly not ideal to keep replacing them as time goes on. Fortunately, 3D printing would give doctors and engineers the ability to alter prosthetic devices as and when they need to in a much shorter time period. The process would also offer much more freedom to wearers, who could select from a range of colours and styles; whether that is a more traditional template or something more futuristic, with one boy stating that a hand that looks like a robot is the way to go. Importantly, the price range would be around a few hundred pounds, possibly even less.

So, how would it actually work? A virtual design of the prosthetic with specific measurements would be created on a 3D modelling programme. The model would then be sliced by a software into a series of horizontal structures and then uploaded to the 3D printer itself, allowing it to build the prosthetic in a layering technique.

These developments will prove to be particularly crucial in less developed countries, with disease and conflict being key factors in people losing parts of their bodies.  Without prosthetics many find it difficult to be able to fetch water and work, factors which become detrimental to their livelihoods. The lower costs would also make them much more accessible.

Importantly, 3D printing is creating a positive culture around prosthetics, with people choosing to collaborate and aid in furthering the advancements already made. American artist Ivan Owen worked on what is currently known as the first mechanical hand produced with a 3D printer, and he decided to publish his work publicly in the hope of others being able to build upon it. The use of 3D printing to make artificial limbs is still new, yet looks highly promising and is almost certainly going to revolutionise the field.

Do let us know your thoughts on the use of 3D printers to improve prosthetic limbs!

Written by Vicale Czan Alfanti

Universal Medicine



 

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