[3D Printing Applications] Hands for Ukraine: Promoting the Popularization of 3D Printed Prosthetics Care

The Victoria Hand Project began as a university research project and quickly evolved into a far-reaching humanitarian initiative. Barriers to access to prosthetic care can be caused by a variety of factors, such as financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, scarcity of resources, or insufficient government support. Equipped with the UltiMaker 3D printer , the team brought this revolutionary technology to communities where access to prosthetic care is virtually impossible. Since its inception, the Victoria Hand Project has partnered with clinics in 11 countries, with Ukraine being the latest addition.

Nick Dechev, founder and chief technology officer of the Victoria Hand Project , said: “3D printing is a very useful tool that can help with current prosthetic tools. It is very useful for certain applications, especially for upper limb sockets, because they are lightweight and can be customized for each individual.”

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Expand the supply of prosthetic hands in Ukraine

“We only use UltiMaker printers . We’ve found them to work in many different environments around the world and to produce excellent print quality,” said Michael Peirone, CEO of the Victoria Hand Project. “Some of our partners don’t have 3D printing experience, but their printers are easy to use and maintain . Furthermore, by standardizing the types of printers we use, we are able to provide printing kits and instructions so that our partners can begin producing these prosthetic devices independently.” The organization owns approximately 35 UltiMaker printers , distributed across its labs and partner sites.

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The choice of materials for the Victoria Hand project is also essential for the durability and comfort of the prosthetic hand. PLA is the primary material used, known for its ease of printing and suitability for prolonged skin contact. Because the prosthetic hand is used very frequently, its components must be durable and robust to ensure it can withstand impacts and be reused repeatedly over a long period.

“We used BASF Forward-AM PRO1 material and we found it to be very effective. The quality is amazing, and strength is crucial for prosthetic devices,” Peirone continued. “We were looking for strength, durability, and material quality. We conducted extensive testing on 3D-printed stretched samples or prosthetic hand parts in our Victoria lab and found that Forward-AM material was exactly what we needed. Using the UltiMaker printer and Forward-AM PRO1 material, we were able to produce these prosthetic devices, and many clinicians around the world are very satisfied with them.”

Dechev stated that the Victoria Hand was one of the first prosthetics to utilize 3D printing technology. "The amount of design work involved in the prosthetic is incredible. We learned a great deal, spent a lot of time working and talking with amputees, and received professional advice from prosthetists. All of these people contributed to the design of the Victoria Hand."

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The Victoria Hand is a unique prosthetic device that operates using a body-driven mechanism, similar to traditional hooks. The hand is designed to be easy to use and maintain, waterproof, and user-friendly. Each recipient receives a customized prosthesis that fits their body perfectly. This includes a 3D-printed limb socket tailored to each recipient and a standardized hand.

The connection process involves fixing the prosthesis, similar to wearing a backpack. Through a shrug, the hand's cables are activated, allowing the hand to open and close. The Victoria Hand is a hybrid of 3D printing and metal parts. It is designed as a replacement limb for those who have lost a limb, featuring articulated fingers and a thumb capable of various functions.

The Victoria Hand has two main components that are not 3D printed. The palm and fingers are printed from PLA material, while the fingertips are made of silicone through a casting process. 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 requiring an entire night to complete with the preparation of certain components, to taking 2-3 days for the complete construction (including the hand, wrist, socket, and all components) and fitting process.

“Clinicians appreciate the Victoria Hand’s user-friendly assembly process, functionality, and versatility,” Dechev said. “One device can help different people in different ways. It’s also very affordable, which allows clinicians to help those who can’t afford more expensive equipment.”

Vision for growth

Knights stated, “We are seeing a growing impact of 3D printing on the field of prosthetic care.” “When you’re working with individuals, having customized limb socket fittings is crucial. 3D printing offers a way to produce complex, organic forms that are essential for customizing prosthetic devices to fit each individual’s unique body, but are difficult to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods. We believe 3D printing will play an increasingly important role in creating natural shapes and making sockets to improve comfort. As the reliability of this technology continues to improve , I believe we will see it expand into a wider range of development areas.”

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Looking ahead, the Victoria Hand project aims to have a broader impact by creating a variety of prosthetics and orthotics. The organization's focus on upper limb prosthetic care forms the basis for future innovation. The goal is to establish community-based printing centers capable of producing a range of healthcare devices, thereby 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 providing accessible and affordable prosthetic care for all. Every 3D-printed prosthesis produced by the Victoria Hand program 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 advanced technologies and to be able to apply them to these use cases around the world,” Peirone continued. “We are working with clinics that have never used 3D printing before, and we are now teaching them how to produce high-end prosthetic devices that can be tailored to each user. 3D printing can reduce the time required to produce prosthetic devices, freeing up clinicians’ time to help more people in the community and helping to build institutional capacity.”

For donations and support, please visit Hands for Ukraine