3D Printing Applications for People with Disabilities

Thanks to 3D printing, the daily lives of many people with disabilities have been improved. The technology enables the creation of objects and services that are easy to use and adapted to disability such as personalised wheelchairs, prostheses, orthoses, etc. Above all, using additive manufacturing makes it easier, faster and cheaper to customize each device to its user. In some cases, it adds an important aesthetic component, changing the way we look at disability. Examples include children’s prostheses inspired by their favourite superheroes. As you will see, the applications for 3D printing in the disability field are becoming more and more numerous. Take a look at some of the innovative projects that we found!

3D Printed Prosthetics

The number of projects combining 3D printing and custom prostheses is increasing, and 3D technologies allow for the design of cheaper and more personalized devices on demand, all in a shorter time. Thanks to the democratization of the FDM process, more and more associations, companies and communities are offering 3D printed prostheses. One example is e-NABLE, which brings together makers from all over the world. They 3D print prosthetic hands for free for people in need, most often for children.