External Hand Structure

As 3D printing is very suitable for creating complex curved components and one-off products; it is a great production technology for making products which can be worn close or directly to the human body. We as nSize already have gained knowledge and experience in this field by the different projects we did.

In most cases this was about supporting the human body in limiting certain motions. For example EXO-L in avoiding ankle sprains, by limiting the motion of spraining and with WeDesign in limiting the over stretching of fingers. 3D printing can also be used for products worn directly to the body for supporting “normal” body movements. An external skeleton could be a very useful construction for this purpose.

In this case we just printed a “dummy”. There are no force suppliers to the construction. It is just a study to how an external hand skeleton could look like; a research to:

• Advantages and disadvantages of certain constructions and joints,
• Which parts are body specific to enhance comfort,
• Robustness and bulkiness of such a structure,

The possibilities of 3D printing (customization and precision) are very useful for purposes of the varieties and precise motorics of the human hand.