Naked Prosthetics, a winner of our recent Tough Resin competition creates 3D printed finger prosthetics for amputees. Colin Macduff, the company’s founder, started working on finger prototypes after the amputation of his own finger. Fabricating the first device out of spare mountain bike parts in his garage, he applied for a patent and started the company in 2012.
Today, Naked Prosthetics is working with clinics, independent prosthetists, physicians, and surgeons to create custom prosthetics that are simple, elegant, and functional. Each biomechanical prosthetic finger (BPF) is completely customized, prototyped on Formlabs 3D printers. With SLA desktop 3D printing, they are able to make on-the-fly design changes and experiment with new models on a daily basis. Naked Prosthetics has completely integrated the printer into their design process, making molds and testing the functional feasibility of new and existing products.
Learn more about how 3D printing is impacting the healthcare industry.
A Naked Prosthetics mold printed in Formlabs Tough Resin
A mold injected with platinum-cure silicone RTV to make extra-thick shims for patients with finger volume changes
Because of the complexity of making a prosthetic finger, SLA desktop 3D printing provides the most accurate, durable and cost-effective parts for the job. COO Jon Bengtsson says,
“The cost is quite low compared to producing parts in SLS and it allows us to print design changes and new models on demand.”
The extra-thick shim, created using Formlabs 3D printers, in a BPF demonstration device
The company’s name comes from a desire to promote uncovered, naked prostheses and end the stigma of amputation. Naked Prosthetics employs advanced technology such as stereolithography 3D printing to create an environment where innovative prosthetic devices are celebrated instead of hidden. Using Formlabs 3D printers, Naked Prosthetics’ fully-functional biomechanical fingers are helping amputees across the country get back to the active lifestyle they enjoy.
