By converting theory into 3D, Infill Cube, a four-member team headed by Edwin Varghese, hopes to give the society a “hand” by launching their 3D-printed prosthetic arm. The arm will be printed on a device the team is developing themselves, and they hope to launch it in the beginning of January.
The aim is to make 3D-printed prosthetic arms for children suffering from a medical condition known as symbrachydactyly―where they are born with either missing fingers, short fingers or webbed fingers. The condition occurs in approximately one in every 32,000 births.
Infill Cube is collaborating with E-nable, a global organisation, to help these children feel complete again. The reach in India is limited due to the fact that few people are aware of the availability of this 3D-printed prosthetic arm, and therefore, the team wants to create awareness about it. They hope to test the product on kids aged 5-10. They are looking at sponsoring at least 25 3D-printed arms after the launch.
“For every machine we sell, we wish to sponsor a child based on priority,” says Edwin. The company sees this project as a service to the community. The model currently with them is called the Flexihand, and is a basic model, which they hope to upgrade soon.
These 3D-printed arms, made of biodegradable plastic, have a list of advantages over conventional prosthetic that is now available. The product is much more cost-effective than the latter. The ease of attachment and the replacement of the arm is another important highlight. Children from ages 5 to 10 outgrow the prosthetic within a year, and as they don't tend to be too careful handling such products, its replacement won’t be difficult. When it comes to the attachment of the arm, it is extremely simple as opposed to the brainwave prosthetic which requires specialised surgery.
The best advantage, though, will be the fact that the product can be tailored to fit the child perfectly and can come in various colours, incorporate superheroes or other fun characters to the liking of the child, thereby, encouraging them not to be ashamed.
The team hopes to expand the production nationwide and soon provide the services to adults as well.
