MEMORANDUM

TO: Alana Baskind, Professor, McGill University

FROM: Tanbin Tahsin Chowdhury, Engineering Student, McGill University
DATE: 22nd January 2016
SUBJECT: Proposal to research the efficiency of 3D printed Prosthetics as a more accessible and better alternative

Jose Delgado Jr. was born without a left hand. For over a year Jose had been using a $42,000 myoelectric prosthetic
device, which was covered by his insurance. Like Jose, a significant population demanding prosthetics limbs, are
conversely being deprived or facing dilemmas to cope with this expensive solution. On top of that cost burden, the
prolonged manufacturing time makes this less accessible to the growing demand, while ignoring relatively minor issues
such as weight, comfort, etc.
Therefore, new technologies are required to be examined to subsequently devise efficient alternative solutions.

In recent development, 3D printing technology is gaining momentum globally and can be considered to generate potential
alternatives in the field of prosthetics. In 2015, Open Bionics developed a low cost, 3-D printed robotic arm. An entire
hand can be printed and assembled in just four manufactured parts, produced in around 40 hours compared to months, and
costs under $1,565. The drastically low-cost robotic hands can perform the same tasks as expensive, advanced prosthetics,
including individual finger movement through the use of electromyographically sensors stuck to the amputee's skin. 3D
printed prosthetics being lightweight makes them easier to carry/use, at the same time, are very customizable, due to 3-D
scanning technique, the prosthetic fits better and is more comfortable. In addition, facial implants can also be 3-D printed
and will be identical to other parts. With numerous benefits, while cost efficiency and speed of manufacturing being the
major significant highlights, 3D printed prosthetics emerges to be a prospective answer.

Last year in 2015, Jeremy Simon of 3DUniverse (E-NABLE) printed out a Cyborg Beast prosthetic hand for Jose.
They are very adaptable, easy to use, and extremely affordable ($50). Delgado said that the Cyborg Beast worked much
better than the $42,000 hand he had been using before. 3D printing not only holds the potential to serve as a solution but
also extends the range of possibilities. It is currently being used to make medical implants, which fit better than old cranial
implants that used to cause seizures or block blood vessels. These new implants can be printed and delivered to hospitals
on the same day. Moreover printed prosthetics have also been used to help crippled animals. Over 10,000 disabled dogs in
Europe and United States have been treated in the last year. Considering the immense potential and also possible
limitations, further research on this could aid to validate the proposed solution extensively, to possibly bring efficient
prosthetics accessible to a greater population.

Works cited:

- MailOnline, Sarah. "The Cheap Robotic Hand Set to Revolutionize Prosthetics: 3D-printed Device Performs
Advanced Tasks for a Fraction of the Cost." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 8 Sept. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
- Krassenstein, Eddie. "Man Compares His $42k Prosthetic Hand to a $50 3D Printed Cyborg Beast." 3DPrintcom.
3DRHoldings, 20 Apr. 2014. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
- "3D-Printable Prosthetics | NIH 3D Print Exchange." 3D-Printable Prosthetics | NIH 3D Print Exchange. Web. 18
Jan. 2016.
- Lull, Julia. "See How Kids Are Getting 3D-printed Hands for Free." Time. Time, 15 Aug. 2015. Web. 18 Jan.
2016.
- McCue, TJ. "Forbes Tech." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 21 Aug. 2014. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
- Nayar, Varun. "Open Bionics Is Developing A Cheap 3D-Printed Prosthetic Arm." Tech Times RSS. Tech Times,
25 Aug. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.
- "The Future Is Here: 3D Printed Prosthetics." Dealing With Different. 22 Oct. 2014. Web. 18 Jan. 2016.