April 29, 2014
In 2012, Christian Call, a master mechanic millwright and designer, lost the tip of his right index finger in a work-related accident. He spent the next year healing and looking for an affordable prosthetic. He was trying to acquire a life-like prosthetic but he could not afford them since he lost the job after the accident and has no insurance.
"Finally I resigned to the fact that if I didn't make it myself then I wasn't going to get a prosthetic and I would have to get used to the limitation caused by my missing index finger tip." notes Call, "Only someone that has used their hands their entire life knows how limiting a missing index finger tip really is."
Thanks to 3D printing, Call was able to built himself a usable prosthetic. It is "an incredible feeling to be able to use my right index finger again." tells Call. "I have to learn to use the finger all over again but it truly is a gift to just be able to pick something up with it."
The 3D printed fingertip was made on a $899 Up Mini 3D printer. As a millwright Call wanted to use his skill to create something unique, useful and cheap. He spent a year and a half trying different designs to make sure they function as a real fingertip, and also are comfortable to wear.
"3D printing has opened up an entirely new world of creativity for me." Call writes. 3D printing allows him not only to make prosthetics for himself but also for other people. However, making a working finger prosthetic is an arduous task.
Since each injury is different and a prosthetic must be made to accommodate the injury and utilize what is still working or not working on the finger. For every design Call needs to spend many hours tweaking and printing the models until he got the right fit. Once the model sketch is done, the files are saved as STL files for use on the 3D printer.
Call is seeking $10,000 now through indiegogo for improving his design and build time as well as the build process. The fund will be able to get him two new 3D printers, one 3D scanner and supplies that are able to reproduce his design for people in need of a fingertip prosthetic.
"This stuff as simple as it seems to some people can make a huge difference for folks who are less fortunate and cant afford what is available out there." writes Call. To find out how you can support this project, head over to the Call's indiegogo campaign here.
Posted in 3D Printers
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Hi, I just lose my right index tip , I like this prosthesis how can I get one.
Freddy wrote at 10/19/2017 5:46:18 AM:
Hi, I just lose my right index tip , I like this prosthesis how can I get one.
Lindsay wrote at 9/15/2016 11:16:46 PM:
How can I buy one? Linds007@aol.com
Josh box wrote at 7/14/2015 12:58:27 AM:
I have the same problem with my left index finger and it is very depressing. My injury happened at work. Workers comp payed for the surgery, but i have no health insurance to get a prosthethic. I really want to buy one of these,as anything is better than nothing. Please contact me at firstjoshox@yahoo.com
Timothy Cantwell wrote at 4/12/2015 9:07:45 PM:
I am very interested in one of these figers. I have the very same injury and it is very hard ti play my guitar. Is it possible to purchase this from Cal?? Please reply to; timothy.topcat@gmail.com
dave bolduc wrote at 3/25/2015 6:12:05 PM:
I would like to try to make a right ringer for my 25 yr old daughter. Are the stl files available in any way? I have access to a 3d printer thank you davebolduc@gmail.com
joe wrote at 10/17/2014 5:21:53 PM:
hola como estan disculpa donde puedo comprar una prótesis de un dedo de esos por favor
john wrote at 4/30/2014 9:32:10 PM:
Awesome design ..!! I want to print one.. or buy one.. but how?
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