Creighton University students Marc Petrykowski and Adam Carson connected with e-NABLE, a global network working to create and donate hand devices, to research and produce assistive hand devices for children born without fingers, hands or limbs. The students use Ultimaker 2 and Ultimaker 2 Extended 3D printers to create and donate a variety of functional assistive hand and arm devices to children in their local Omaha area and across the nation.

Ultimaker, a leading 3D printing manufacturer, donated Ultimaker 2 and Ultimaker 2 Extended printers to help Petrykowski and Carson with their research project. e-NABLE recommended Ultimaker because the organization believes that Ultimaker is the easiest and most reliable 3D printer.  

Since beginning their research project with e-NABLE, Petrykowski and Carson have developed more complex assistive devices. The hand devices they develop allow users to make a fist and pick up different sized objects thanks to an adjustable spring joint in the thumb. The assistive hand devices allow for fine motor skills, such as holding a water bottle or picking up small objects. Now the students are developing new, innovative arm devices for below-the-shoulder amputees by utilizing the Ultimaker 2 Extended. The larger printer allows larger hand and arm devices to be printed at one time instead of multiple prints.

Every hand device the students create is donated free of charge to children born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a group of congenital birth defects caused by the entrapment of fibrous amniotic bands. The devices are specially designed for children’s specific needs and can be created in the color of their choice.