Activity 2: PRINTING PROSTHETICS
In 1983 a man named Chuck Hull invented the first 3D printer. A 3D printer follows a design that has been created on a computer. The printer simply `print out` the design in layers, often using a material like plastic.
3D printing has changed the way we are designing and manufacturing (creating) all sorts of things. It is possible to 3D print parts for machines, buildings and even human!
If you have ever broken an arm and needed a plaster cast you will know that they're not much fun to wear - especially in summer! Here in New Zealand, a man named Jake Evill has designed a lighter 3D printed plaster cast that is strong, recyclable, waterproof, and ventilated (let's air in). Check out his design here.
For this activity we had to learn about 3D printed prosthetics (artificial body parts, like hand or arms), we had to watch a video about printed prosthetics. After that, we had to tell one that we have learned from watching the video and one other thing that surprised us from watching the video.
