I recently came across the online community eNable. ENable is a community of makers who design, 3D print, and assemble cheap prosthetic hands and arms to those who need them. To join the community, you must print and assemble one of their designs and make a video showcasing it. I 3D Printed all 27 of the parts to the Phoenix v2 hand model. I also purchased a $30 kit of all of the non-3D printed parts. The assembly process consisted of connecting the 3d printed parts using a series of printed pins, thermoforming one part, thatching the hardware components, and threading/tension the fishing line tendons.
One interesting aspect of this hand design is the inclusion of thermoforming in one of the parts.
The hand gauntlet is printed flat on the print bed but then is molded into the shape it is supposed to be. This is accomplished by dipping the printed part into boiling water for a few seconds, removing it, and bending it to the shape desired. This process, called thermoforming, is often used in the fitting of protective mouth guards. This technique allows the printed part to be stronger, faster, and easier to manufacture.
I have been certified to print this model for those in need by the eNable team. I look forward to the oppertunities to help others created by eNable and their vision.
