Smart International to support e-NABLE Medellin in 3D printing prosthetics
Smart International, under license from Eastman Kodak Company, has announced it will be supporting e-NABLE Medellin’s effort in Colombia by providing 3D printing hardware, materials and technical support. e-NABLE Medellin, a Colombian branch of the global e-NABLE organization which aims to provide free prosthetic hands to those in need, will use Smart International’s KODAK Portrait 3D printer to reach its goal of donating up to 35 prosthetics and assistive devices before the end of the year.
In Colombia, prosthetics are in high demand. With over 11,700 landmine victims, the South American country is the second most mine-affected country in the world. Prosthetics, however, have tended to be expensive and inaccessible to many people (not just in Colombia, but around the world), which has inspired such initiatives as e-NABLE.
Based in Medellin, Colombia, e-NABLE Medellin has the resources to produce a low-cost prosthetic in as little as two weeks. The team at e-NABLE, which comprises of engineers, doctors and volunteers, has donated 55 3D printed assistive devices to date. With a new KODAK Portrait 3D printer added to its fleet, the NGO hopes to print even more to meet demand. In 2020, for instance, it plans to produce as many as 60 prosthetics.
The 3D printer donated by Smart International will not only enable the NGO to print more prosthetics: the desktop machine will allow e-NABLE to print with a broader range of materials.
“e-NABLE Medellin is thrilled to be working with Smart International,” said Adam Armfield, founder of e-NABLE Medellin. “Having the KODAK Portrait 3D Printer means that we will now be able to explore using engineering materials to improve our prosthetics, and the alliance will allow us to continue to innovate and help those in need.”
Roberto Gawianski, CEO, Smart International, added: “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to work with e-NABLE Medellin and support them in their ongoing, innovative, work to bring prosthetics to those in need. The e-NABLE Medellin team has a strong commitment to 3D printing research and development, and Smart International are excited to assist them in producing some remarkable new technologies.”
Through the collaboration with Smart International, e-NABLE Medellin will also establish a Technology and Youth leadership program for Colombia’s youth. As Armfield said: “We are currently forming a Technology and Youth leadership program that will offer some of Colombia’s most disadvantaged and bright students the opportunity to help build a brighter future for Colombia. Our mission is to show these youths how digital fabrication technology can be used to make impactful and long-lasting changes in health, education and society. The KODAK 3D Printer will help us achieve this.”
