Abstract:
Conventional passive upper extremities used by amputee’s lack in hand control and grasp
meanwhile their advanced substitute are expensive, unaffordable and less realistic. In recent years,
affordable, functional and customizable upper limb alternatives, made using 3D printing technology, have
increased in demand. This article reviews the available technologies to fabricate 3D printed upper limb
prosthesis, different levels of upper limb amputations and materials used for fabrications. This also gives
an overview about the mechanisms used in 3D printed mechanical upper limb prosthesis and cost factors
affecting the popularity of the prosthesis in detail. A main reason for 3D printing to be used in prosthesis
fabrication is the convenience and the efficiency in the process of customizing prosthesis according to
user’s requirements. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) are considered as the
most suitable material for 3D printing of prosthesis, focusing on the factors of cost and availability, toxicity,
biodegradability and comfortability. Most of the affordable prosthetic arms are operated using string
networks or using lever mechanisms which limits the functionalities of prosthetic arms due to its inability
of fingers to operate independently. Therefore, moving on to an improved operating mechanism to
facilitate independent motion of fingers is suggested as the future outlook for mechanical 3D printed upper
limb prosthesis.
