With the devastating effects of the war in Ukraine, where approximately 10,000 people have suffered amputations and over 400,000 existing amputees no longer have access to care, the Canadian non-profit Victoria Hand Project (VHP) has found a way to provide highly effective prosthetic limbs made through 3D printing, to those in need.
Work with BASF Forward AM and UltiMaker, VHP uses 3D printing to create customizable and affordable prosthetic arms to help amputees regain their independence.
VHP's success in Ukraine has been so significant that the organization launched a campaign called "Hands for Ukraine" to raise money to continue producing prostheses for people in need in the country.
One of the key elements of this project is the use of Ultrafuse PLA PRO1 material
of BASF Forward AM, which offers exceptional print quality and enables the production of precise and detailed components.
This not only improved the aesthetics of the prostheses, but also contributed to their functionality.
The material has been carefully optimized for quality, speed, strength and reliability, exceeding performance levels achieved with conventional filaments.
In addition, the 3D printers and software of UltiMaker have allowed manufacturers to achieve consistent 3D printing quality. In addition, the selected equipment is easy to use, which is especially important for clinicians who have no previous experience with 3D printing technology. The combination of material properties Ultrafuse PLA PRO1 with the reliability of 3D printers UltiMaker has enabled VHP to produce high-quality prosthetic hands that meet demanding requirements and provide wearers with confidence in their daily lives.
“Using the print quality and mechanical properties of Forward AM Ultrafuse PLA PRO1 in addition to the exceptional reliability of UltiMaker, the Victoria Hand Project is creating prosthetic hands that not only meet functional requirements, but also empower users. These hands are not just tools; they become symbols of endurance, self-reliance and resilience in the daily lives of amputees," says Michael Peirone, chief executive of the Victoria Hand Project.
In January 2023, VHP successfully completed a pilot project in Ukraine thanks to multiple donations. A team member traveled there to conduct initial training, set up the equipment and provide prosthetic arms to five amputees in need. VHP now aims to build partnerships in Ukraine by training local prosthetists and experts in 3D printing technology to print and assemble Victoria's hands and distribute them to those in need if needed. The goal is to fully equip two partner facilities in Lviv and Vinnytsia with 3D printing technology and scanning tools, as well as prosthetic materials. If the fundraising campaign exceeds its initial goal, additional funds will be made available to further expand the reach and impact of this humanitarian project.
With the UltiMaker 3D printing ecosystem in place, clinicians can print parts on demand, providing better prosthetic support to their communities.
By expanding access to prosthetic care with 3D printing, we believe we can help address the needs of people with limb loss or limb differences, promoting empowerment, inclusion and overall well-being," concluded Nadav Goshen, CEO of UltiMaker .
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