REAL LIFE NEWS: DAD USES 3D PRINTING TO MAKE ARMS FOR HIS SON
by Hazed
Tommy Dengel was born without a right hand. His father wasn’t happy with the basic prosthetic he was given, so he started to look for alternatives. Now Tommy is three years old, he has a variety of artificial hands which let him pick things up, shake hands and “fist bump” his dad – and they are all made using a 3D printer.
Adam Dengel bought the 3D printer and got a design for a prosthetic from a charity. He spent hours mastering the technique, and has now made several artificial limbs with different designs. Tommy’s favourite is a Buzz Lightyear arm – which has been used so much it broke!
Each arm costs about £15 to make and is made from plastic strung together with fishing wire and orthodontic elastic bands. It is strapped to Tommy’s limb with Velcro and when he moves his upper arm it triggers the hand to open and close.
Mr Dengel now plans to set up a charity to help other children with limb differences.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-43399783
