【3D Printing Application】 Hands for Ukraine: Advocating for the Democratization of 3D Printed Prosthetic Care
Hands for Ukraine: Victoria Hand Project's 3D printing initiative aims to democratize prosthetic care in Ukraine
In a world often defined by disparities in healthcare access, Canadian charity Victoria Hand Project stands as a beacon of hope. Founded in 2015 with a mission to provide accessible 3D printed prosthetic care to underserved communities worldwide, the Victoria Hand Project is transforming lives by combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate service.
Victoria Hand Project began as a university research project and quickly evolved into a profound humanitarian initiative. Barriers to accessing prosthetic care can arise from various factors, such as financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, scarcity of resources, or insufficient government support. Equipped with UltiMaker 3D printers, the team has brought this revolutionary technology to communities where prosthetic care is almost unattainable. Since its inception, the Victoria Hand Project has partnered with clinics in 11 countries, with Ukraine being the latest addition.
"3D printing is a really useful tool to assist with current prosthetic tooling," says Nick Dechev, founder and CTO of the Victoria Hand Project. "It's extremely useful for certain applications, especially for upper limb sockets, because they are lightweight and can be custom printed for each individual."
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Expanding the Supply of Prosthetic Hands in Ukraine
The organization's "Hands for Ukraine" initiative was created to address the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict. In the summer of 2022, the Victoria Hand Project began its expansion into Ukraine, laying the groundwork for sustainable prosthetic care in the region.
The organization's approach to prosthetic care goes beyond simply providing devices. It offers a variety of 3D printed prosthetic hands to meet individual needs. Central to its method is the customization of prosthetic arm sockets, which can be 3D printed directly on-site at partner clinics. This not only reduces costs but also equips local communities with essential skills and technology.
"The Victoria Hand Project is uniquely positioned where we bring these 3D printers and training to the clinics that we partner with, so everything is produced internally in the country," says Kelly Knights, COO of the Victoria Hand Project. "For Ukraine, it will be Ukrainians helping Ukrainians within the country as needed."
Throughout this journey, the Victoria Hand Project has maintained unwavering trust in UltiMaker's 3D printing technology. Known for their reliability and quality, UltiMaker 3D printers are the backbone of the Victoria Hand Project's operations. The decision to standardize on UltiMaker printers enables streamlined production and consistent results across global partner sites.
"We only use UltiMaker printers. We found that they work well in a lot of different environments around the world and have excellent print quality," says Michael Peirone, CEO of the Victoria Hand Project. "Some of our partners we work with don't have 3D printing experience, but their printers are easy to use and maintain. Also, by standardizing the type of printers we use, we are able to provide print kits and instructions so that our partners can start producing these prosthetic devices independently." The organization has approximately 35 UltiMaker printers distributed across its labs and partner sites.
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The Victoria Hand Project's material selection is also integral to the durability and comfort of its prosthetic hands. PLA is the primary material used, known for its ease of printing and suitability for prolonged skin contact. Given the high frequency of prosthetic hand usage, its components must be durable and robust to ensure they can withstand impact and repeated use over time.
"We use BASF Forward-AM PRO1 material, and we found that it works very well. The quality is amazing, and strength is very important for prosthetic devices," Peirone continues. "We are looking for strength, durability, and material quality. We did a lot of testing in our lab in Victoria on 3D printed tensile samples or prosthetic hand components and found that Forward-AM materials are exactly what we need. Using UltiMaker printers and Forward-AM PRO1 materials, we are able to produce these prosthetic devices that many clinicians around the world are very satisfied with."
Dechev states that Victoria Hand was one of the first prosthetics to adopt 3D printing technology. "The amount of design that went into the prosthetic is incredible. We learned a lot and spent a lot of time working and talking with amputees and getting expert opinions from prosthetists. All these people contributed to the design of the Victoria Hand."
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Victoria Hand is a unique prosthetic device that operates using a body-powered mechanism, similar to traditional hooks. The hand is designed to be easy to use and maintain, waterproof, and user-friendly. Each recipient receives a custom prosthetic hand that fits their body. This includes a 3D printed limb socket customized for each recipient and a standardized hand.
The attachment process involves securing the prosthetic, similar to wearing a backpack. By shrugging the shoulders, the hand's cable is activated, allowing the hand to open and close. Victoria Hand is a hybrid of 3D printed and metal parts. It is designed as a replacement limb for individuals with limb loss, featuring articulating fingers and a thumb that can perform various functions.
Two main components of the Victoria Hand are not 3D printed. The palm and fingers are printed from PLA material, while the fingertips are made of silicone using a casting technique. Internal components include stainless steel, springs, bolts, and laser-cut steel parts for added strength.
The timeline from initial consultation to final fitting varies, ranging from an overnight completion if certain components are pre-prepared, to 2-3 days for a complete build (including hand, wrist, socket, and all components) and fitting process.
"Clinicians love the Victoria Hand's user-friendly assembly process, functionality, and versatility," says Dechev. "One device can help different people in different ways. It's also low cost, which allows clinicians to help people who cannot afford more expensive devices."
Vision for Growth
"We are seeing an increasing impact of 3D printing on the field of prosthetic care," says Knights. "When you work with individuals, it is very important to have custom limb socket fittings. 3D printing provides a way to produce complex organic forms, which is crucial for customizing prosthetic devices to each person's unique body, but difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. We believe that 3D printing will play an increasingly important role in creating natural shapes and making sockets to improve comfort. As this technology becomes increasingly reliable, I believe we will see it expand into a wider range of development areas."
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Looking ahead, the Victoria Hand Project hopes to make a broader impact by creating a variety of prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The organization's focus on upper limb prosthetic care is the foundation for future innovation. The goal is to establish community-based printing centers that can produce a range of healthcare equipment, enhancing local healthcare capabilities.
The organization's success story is one of determination, innovation, and compassion. As its reach continues to expand across continents, the team is committed to realizing its vision of accessible and affordable prosthetic care for all. Each 3D printed prosthetic limb from the Victoria Hand Project not only transforms lives but also demonstrates the potential of technology to bridge gaps and empower communities worldwide.
"We are excited to benefit from these high-end technologies and be able to apply them to these use cases around the world," Peirone continues. "We are working with these clinics that have never used 3D printing before, and now we are teaching them how to produce high-end prosthetic devices that can be customized for each user. 3D printing can reduce the time to produce prosthetic devices, allowing clinicians to free up time to help more people in the community and help build institutional capacity."
For donations and support, please visit Hands for Ukraine
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