MEMORANDUM
To: Derek Shepard, C.E.O.
From: Mark Mattson
Markita Givens
Teresa Scherrer
Date: October 21, 2014
Subject: Proposal for the use of 3-D Printed Prosthetics
Utilizing 3-D printers to form custom prosthetics for our customers will lead to an increase in sales
and customer satisfaction with our products.
Introduction:
There is an ongoing issue with certain individuals who are struggling to live their lives with a
disability that does not allow them to utilize 100% of their limbs. This issue concerns people who
were born without or lost a hand, leg, foot, arm, and or even an entire leg. The technology of the
past has allowed doctors to create prosthetic limbs to help assist individuals with these disabilities,
but the cost can be astronomically high and make it difficult to acquire a very versatile and
comfortable custom prosthetic limb. Due to this high cost, many individuals have learned to live
with their disability without the help of prosthetics. However, with the modern technology of the
future, medical doctors and even current entrepreneurs have figured out how to provide a more
efficient prosthetic limb that does not cost as much money and is 100% fully effective. This new
technology is referring to using 3-D printers to create prosthetic limbs.
The problem with prosthetics is that they cost a lot of money. Rhonda Turner, PhD, says, “A
lower extremity prosthesis (leg) can range in cost from $5,000.00 to $50,000. An upper extremity
device (arm) can range from $3,000.00 to $30,000. Why the difference and why not just give
everyone the less expensive variation?”(Turner, “Prosthetics Cost”)
Prosthetics are not a problem within themselves because they do offer a great deal of
assistance to those who need it, but the main issue is, how much is someone willing to pay for that
additional help and is there a better way? Yes, there is. The solution to this over-priced issue of high
cost prosthetics, are new age innovative 3-D printers. Even though the cost of a 3-D printer can be
expensive, the overall benefit of having the ability to print all the pieces to assemble and or to print
a fully functional limb within a day’s timeframe (within 8 to 10 hours) is astonishing. These pieces
can be designed to fully fit the wearer’s needs and can even be designed around 3-D scans to be
customized for the perfect fit.
The currently designed prosthetics can be beneficial, but often many users complain about
how uncomfortable or heavy they are. Many current-day prosthetics lack the materials to be in or
around water, rendering them useless when the user engages in everyday functions such as
dishwashing or showering. This lack of adaptability affects our secondary audience, the users of
prosthetic limbs, by essentially having them pay thousands of dollars for an item that is mildly
uncomfortable and hinders them in their everyday functions. This also affects our company, as we
can use their testimonies to promote 3-D printed limbs by designing our products to change the way
that our consumers view prosthetics.
Proposed Tasks:
Our research methods will involve interviewing those who are currently using traditional
prosthetics for their input on the convenience and functionality of their limbs, and recording their
thoughts on designs for limbs that can be molded for them utilizing a 3-D printer. We would then
directly find the cost of designing and printing a simple yet functional piece and estimate costs for
limbs (such as hands, forearms, lower legs). Our secondary research would involve estimating the
costs and possible profits for our company by investing in 3-D printed prosthetics as a new addition to
our product lineup. It would also involve observing videos and interviews of those who have either
created or are wearing a 3-D printed prosthetic, and noting their reaction and comfort level with
their new limb. Our preliminary research has involved researching the future of 3-D printing and the
possibility of innovation in the medical world. We have gained insight into the value 3-D printing in
the medical field and how the materials and functions of a prosthetic piece can be customized to fit
the user’s needs down to the smallest detail.
Schedule:
10/21
Conduct interviews
with amputees at
local VA hospital.
9:00 a.m. - TBD
10/22
Conduct interviews
with individuals who
already have
prosthetics.
9:00 a.m. - TBD
10/23
Meeting with medical
hospitals who
currently use 3-D
prosthetics.
9:00 a.m. - TBD
10/24
Conduct follow up
research with
different 3-D printing
manufactures.
(Pricing, time
consumption,
materials)
10:00 a.m. - TBD
10/27
Presentation
8:00 a.m. - TBD
Experience:
Our grouped interest with this new innovative technology is the ability to create fully functional
prosthetics that can be utilized to assist those two need them at a much lower cost than higher
priced prosthetics.
Mark Mattson: My experience with being a United States Marine has allowed me to serve my country
proudly and after twelve years of service I have been fortunate to return from both my deployments
from the fast east in one piece. However, I know that many brothers and sisters in arms have not
been so fortunate. The understanding that other members of the military have been in need of
having a decent prosthetic, I am sure that this new technology of the future will open the door for
new medical opportunities for members of the military to have a more reliable prosthetic at an
affordable cost and without long tedious waiting periods and uncomfortable fitting issues. Custom
pieces can be made faster and even modified on the same day and have instant feedback to medical
professionals on what works and what does not.
Markita Givens: I have interest in this project stemming from a future career choice in the neonatal
field, with the possibility of conducting surgeries that can change lives at an affordable rate.
Teresa Scherrer: I have interest in this project by looking to expand marketing with a more
humanistic and relatable approach, and to spread awareness of 3-D printing as a successful
innovation that can bring change to the lives of millions.
Works Cited:
Turner, Rhonda. "Prosthetics Costs." Disabled World. N.p., 05 May 2009. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/prostheses/prosthetics-costs.php>.
Wohlsen, Marcus. "The Next Big Thing You Missed: 3-D Printing Promises Better Bionic Limbs
for the War-Wounded | WIRED." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.wired.com/2014/03/next-big-thing-missed-bionic-limbs-3d-printed-worlds-warwounded/>.