With nearly 500,000 amputees in war-torn Ukraine, the Canadian non-profit organisation Victoria Hand Project (VHP) is combining innovative materials from BASF Forward AM with the robust construction of UltiMaker 3D Printers to provide high-performance 3D printed prosthetics to those in desperate need.
VHP, which was founded in July of 2015, has formed clinical partnerships in 11 countries and built a network of compassionate professionals who rely on the support of generous donors to continue to spread hope and restore independence to people who have lost limbs.
“By harnessing the print quality and mechanical properties of Forward AM Ultrafuse® PLA PRO1 in addition to the exceptional dependability from UltiMaker, Victoria Hand Project creates prosthetic hands that not only meet functional requirements, but also empower users. These hands are not just tools; they become symbols of resilience, self-assurance, and durability in the daily lives of amputees.”
– Michael Peirone, CEO of Victoria Hand Project
3D Printed Prosthetics access in Ukraine
VHP works with unwavering dedication to create affordable and customizable prosthetic arms – the Victoria Hands – by utilising innovative 3D printing technology and materials. VHP relies on trusted Additive Manufacturing collaborators like BASF Forward AM and UltiMaker to provide the necessary support to facilitate long-term, sustainable prosthetic care around the world as they expand.
Martin Back, CEO and Managing Director of Forward AM feels honored to support this project. “We are proud to partner with Victoria Hand Project and to jointly support the people in need in Ukraine. As an industry leader in 3D printing, we strive to consistently provide best-in-class materials and solutions for applications limited only by our customers’ imaginations.”
Back added, “But the opportunity to support VHP — an organization using Additive Manufacturing to reshape the lives of amputees around the world — is something that goes beyond the day-to-day tasks of doing business. It adds a feeling of deep purpose and a stronger sense of why we do what we do. It’s not just printed plastic. It’s hope, independence, and a better quality of life.”
UltiMaker Printers & BASF Forward AM Materials
UltiMaker 3D Printers are known for their dependability and performance. UltiMaker printers and software provide users with comprehensive engineering solutions by delivering exceptional dependability through consistent 3D printing due to their robust construction and stable functionality. These cutting-edge machines are also simple to use, which is important for clinicians who may be unfamiliar with this cutting-edge technology.
Forward AM Ultrafuse® PLA PRO1 Provides Strength, Versatility, and Consistency – This innovative material produces precise and detailed prosthetic components due to its exceptional print quality. These high-resolution prints with Ultrafuse® PLA PRO1 not only improve the aesthetics of the prosthesis, but also contribute to the functionality of the hand itself, as the material is optimised for quality, speed, strength, and reliability, resulting in performance levels that outperform traditional filaments.
The Victoria Hand Project hopes to raise $200,000 for their “Hands for Ukraine” campaign.
With the launch of this campaign, VHP hopes to raise funds to support on-demand prosthetic care for Ukrainians. According to reliable news sources, over 40,000 Ukrainians have been injured in the war as of January 30, 2023. Experts estimate that between 25% and 35% of those affected are amputees who will require specialised medical care. This is in addition to the region’s existing 400,000 amputees, the majority of whom have little or no access to prosthetic care. Ukrainian groups predict that the demand for care will continue to rise as a result of the country’s ongoing conflict.
“We are thrilled to be a long-term partner of Victoria Hand Project and continue to support its mission to deliver prosthetic hands to people in need. With the UltiMaker 3D printing ecosystem on location, clinicians can print parts on-demand, providing better prosthetic support to their communities. By expanding access to prosthetic care with 3D printing, we believe we can help address the needs of individuals with limb loss or limb differences, promoting empowerment, inclusivity, and overall well-being.”
– Nadav Goshen, CEO of UltiMaker
The full expansion into Ukraine will include:
- Fully equipping two partner sites in Lviv and Vinnytsia with 3D printing and scanning tools
- Fully equipping both partner sites with supplies for prosthetic fittings
- Fully funding high-quality prosthetic care for 100 Ukrainian amputees and laying groundwork for many more to receive care
- If the fundraising efforts exceed the initial goal set, additional monies will be added to increase the number of prosthetic arms being produced.
VHP completed a successful pilot project in Ukraine in January 2023, thanks to donations from generous supporters. A team member travelled to two partner sites to conduct initial training, set up equipment, and demonstrate fittings by providing prosthetic arms to five amputees in need. VHP is now working to make these partnerships in Ukraine permanent and ongoing by training local prosthetists and technology experts to 3D print, assemble, and deliver Victoria Hands to those in need.
