STORY PREVIEW

2025

3D printing of prosthetic hands

The Nature School

New South Wales

MENTOR

Lloyd Godson

Step 1 FEEL

List the challenges or problems in your surroundings (school,neighbourhood etc.) that bothered you.

We realised that many children who are born with a limb difference or lose a limb don’t have access to affordable prosthetic hands. Traditional prosthetics are expensive, and many families can’t afford replacements when children grow out of them. This problem was close to our hearts because one of our classmates was born with a limb difference and had shared her personal experience with us.

State the problem chosen to work and why.

We chose to work on 3D-printing an affordable prosthetic hand for our classmate. We wanted to use our skills and creativity to make a real difference in the lives of kids in our community and beyond. By using open-source designs from the Australian Charity Free 3D Hands, we could help create low-cost, functional hands that can be replaced as children grow.

Who were the people affected by the problem? What were their primary concerns?

Children with limb differences were directly affected. Their primary concerns included access to affordable, well-fitting prosthetic hands that support independence and allow them to live confidently. Our classmate’s story helped us understand the emotional and practical impact of this issue.

Step 2 Imagine

List ALL the different solutions you came up with.

- Design and 3D-print a new hand for a classmate using open-source plans - Fundraise to buy better 3D printers and supplies - Partner with Free 3D Hands to support more limb-affected children - Improve the current hand designs through feedback and testing - Present our project to raise awareness in the community - Create a global network to help 3D print and send hands to children worldwide

Which solution from those listed above did you choose to implement and why?

We chose to 3D-print a new hand using open-source plans, partner with Free 3D Hands, and give design feedback to help improve future versions. We also decided to raise awareness and funds by sharing our story at school, in the community, and internationally. This approach allowed us to create both local and global impact.

Step 3DO

Describe very briefly the process of implementing your solution(s).

We formed a Design for Change team and began researching prosthetic hand designs. We learnt how to use 3D printing software, selected filament materials, and assembled a working hand. We were mentored by Mat Bowtell from Free 3D Hands and worked with our school’s science and technology teacher. We also presented our project to the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West.

What was the result or impact of your project?

We successfully 3D printed a working hand for our classmate and inspired our school and community to support the project. We gained technical, teamwork, and communication skills, and built strong partnerships with organisations like Rotary and Free 3D Hands. We were invited to present our project at the Be the Change Global Celebration in Tokyo and to participate in a documentary about 3D printing.

How many people were impacted by your solution(s)?

100

What did the impacted people have to say about your project? Provide 2 quotes or testimonials:

“Wonderful. I was so impressed by the confidence and clarity of their presentation.” – Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West “I’m so proud of the students for wanting to lead such an inspiring project.” – Mat Bowtell, Free 3D Hands

What challenges did you encounter while implementing your project, and how did you overcome them?

We faced challenges learning to use the 3D printer and choosing the right materials. We overcame this by researching, asking for expert advice, and trialling different prints. Fundraising for equipment and travel was another challenge, but we received support from Rotary and our school community through BBQs, sponsorships and donations.

How long did it take to implement your solution?

MORE THAN 30 DAYS

Which global goals does your story align with?

Good health and well being

Please explain briefly why do you think so?

We used innovation to improve access to prosthetics, helping kids live healthier, more independent lives. We shared our learning and skills with others, collaborated with partners like Free 3D Hands and Rotary, and used education as a tool for real-world change. Our project tackled inequality while building community resilience and compassion.

Step 4 SHARE

How did you share your project with your school and community? Who did you share your project with? What was their response?

We shared our project with our entire high school, presented at staff meetings, and spoke at a Rotary Club event. Our work was also recognised by Design for Change Australia and will feature in a documentary being filmed by Chuck Hull, the inventor of 3D printing. Everyone was inspired by our story and excited by the possibilities of using technology for good.

Approximately how many people did you share your story of change with?

More than 100

Briefly share your plan to sustain the impact of your project?

We’ve requested a new 3D printer for our school and plan to continue working with Free 3D Hands to print and assemble more prosthetics. We’ll continue to work with Free 3D Hands to help refine their designs with our feedback and continue educating others through presentations and future projects. We’re also raising funds to present our work at the ‘Be the Change’ Global Celebration and inspire others to take action in their own communities.

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