Sometimes students can’t see the connection between a classroom, and the real world.
For 4 Staples High School juniors who took Dr. Humphrey Wong’s 3D Engineering and Design course, nothing could be clearer.
Or more life-changing.
Two years ago, Hugo Jacques, Sebastian Rodriguez, Jacob Rybchin and Preston Siroka were second semester freshmen. Passionate about engineering, they were fascinated to learn that prosthetic arms could be produced by a 3D printer.
Clockwise, from upper left: Preston Siroka, Hugo Jacques, Jacob Rybchin, Sebi Rodriguez.
It’s a low-cost solution to a high-tech problem. And when they heard from Dr. Wong about e-NABLE — an online community of 40,000 volunteers from over 100 countries who use 3D printers to make prosthetic upper limb devices for children and adults — they knew they had to help.
The teenagers formed Staples’ e-NABLE Club. They became part of the international network, with help from the Yale University chapter.
But there was one big problem: Staples’ 3D printer.
It’s slow. It’s not always reliable. It’s used by many people.
Printing a prosthetic hand is more intricate than most projects. A single error means the entire process must begin again.
One view of a 3D-printed prosthetic hand …
So Hugo, Sebastian, Jacob and Preston vowed to buy their own printers.
3D printers cost $300 to more than $3,000. The least expensive filament is $20 a roll; carbon is more.
Club members — there are now more than 20 young men and women — began fundraising the usual way: bake sales.
They are passionate about their work.
“A traditional prosthetic can cost up to $50,000,” says Sebi, who in addition to e-NABLE is president of Staples’ Pre-Med Club, and runs track. “These are much cheaper. We’re giving back in an innovative, creative way.”
… and another.
Through e-NABLE, volunteers find children, veterans and others. Some have functioning wrists; others need full arms.
Volunteers use software to create a design based on an individual’s needs, then print the prosthetic. There can be 20 different pieces to print; they are then fitted together, with wires and screws.
The entire process takes anywhere from a week to a month. The actual printing process takes many hours.
“I always knew I wanted to do something with engineering, and learn CAD (computer-aided design),” says Jacob, who also plays soccer and rugby.
“This is a way to make something that can change someone’s world.”
Staples’ e-NABLE Club. Advisor Dr. Humphrey Wong kneels in front, 2nd from left.
Hugo — who in his spare time is a saber fencer — appreciates the chance to “make a big impact without being in a big company.”
Right now, club members are preparing to create 2 prosthetic hands, before spring break.
They’re also raising money. They need reliable printers, and materials. They’ve created a GoFundMe page, and seek support. Click here to help.
But, they note, “this isn’t just about money. It’s about giving someone a hand (literally). It’s about being part of a community that’s all about using our passion for a great cause.”
(Click here for the Staples e-Nable Facebook page. Click here for their Instagram. To learn more about e-NABLE — including inspiring success stories — click here.)
Inspiring … more Staples stars
Burt Grad–That’s absolutely wonderful what the staples students are doing to help those who need prosthetic hands. I applaud their efforts. A small back story. computer Aided Design (CAD) started as a very small software development effort in the late 1950s at GE and then was picked up by a number of Automotive and Aerospace companies (GM, Ford, Boeing, Dassault (France)), and others. Universities like Utah and MIT and European Universities also contributed research in the mathematics of complex solid shapes (automobile fenders and bodies, airplane wings and fuselages). A whole software industry with probably $50 billion in annual sales has evolved with around 10 million users world-wide.
Thanks to the CAD software and the related work on Numerically Controlled machine tools (milling machines, lathes, drill presses, etc.) the software technology was developed for directing 3D printers in how to produce complex products like prosthetic arms and hands (and feet and legs).
I have been having fun being a co-editor for two issues of the IEEE Annals of the History of Computing on Computer Aided Design devoted to the history of CAD. It is another example of how computer software combined with computers and their peripherals (displays, printers, storage) keep making the world a better place even while it can be used for destructive purposes.
I am wondering if there is any way I can spread the word about what these incredible students are doing either through FB or other channels. Please let me know if this would be possible!
Sure, Karen. Feel free to repost this story far and wide.
Hi Karen! This is Jacob from E-Nable. Sharing our story would be amazing, it’s one of the best ways to support us! It helps with fundraising our club but most importantly it lets people know about our hands! We want to help everyone we can no matter the cost and your support is extremely valuable to us! Thank you so much!