24-Hour 3D ‘Flash Print’ Expected to Break Records; Draw Global Participation
COSTA MESA, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — December 5, 2014 — Airwolf 3D today announced plans to make history while hosting the first ever 3D Print-a-Thon and International Flash Print. The Orange County-based manufacturer of premium desktop printers is working with Robohand USA to generate more than 200 3D-printed prosthetic hands for physically disabled persons.
(Photo: Business Wire)
The 24-hour event will kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 12 when Airwolf 3D volunteers will begin continuous 3D printing of the open-source prosthetic hand file developed by Robohand. At 12 noon the next day, Airwolf 3D will open its doors to the public and local enthusiasts who are invited to bring their own 3D printers into the company’s Costa Mesa headquarters and join in printing the prosthetics. The combined efforts of the Airwolf 3D printers and those contributed by the public are expected to break the world record of simultaneous 3D printing in one location. The existing record stands at 102 printers.
A Robohand is a set of prosthetic fingers that open and close to grasp things. Designed by Richard Van As (who lost four fingers in an accident) and Ivan Owen, the artificial hand is created using 3D printing technology and can be fabricated at a fraction of the cost of a conventional prosthetic. Robohands are mechanically designed to use wrist motion to avoid batteries, surgeries, added weight and cost. In addition, they can easily and inexpensively be repaired or updated for growing children.
“When we looked at this project we realized it was a perfect fit with what we do. The high speed, high materials capabilities of our printers make us uniquely suited for the demands of this type of work,” said Erick Wolf, cofounder and chairman of Airwolf 3D. “We are not making toys, but real, functional prosthetics that require lightweight, durable materials. We want a child using one of these hands to be able to be able to play without worrying about it breaking.”
While the Print-a-Thon is underway at Airwolf 3D facilities, the first international ‘Flash Print’ event will take the efforts to a global level. Airwolf 3D will share the gCode files for printing the prosthetic hands with 3D printer customers across the world to participate and donate prosthetic hands to Robohand USA for distribution to those in need.
“This is the first time in history that such a movement is possible,” said Tyler Caros, creative director of Airwolf 3D. “We are uniting people the world over to work toward this common goal, and it is this technology that makes it possible. With $5 of materials and a few hours you can dramatically change someone’s life. You can sit in your home thousands of miles away, click print, and create a tangible object that will open up an entirely new world to someone.”
About Airwolf 3D
Airwolf 3D is committed to designing and manufacturing high-performance consumables, accessories and 3D printers that are fast, affordable, durable and easy to use. All Airwolf 3D printers are made in America, manufactured in the company’s 12,000 sq. ft. facility in Costa Mesa, Calif. Airwolf 3D printers can be found in Fortune 500 companies, engineering firms, government agencies and schools worldwide. For more information visit www.airwolf3d.com, telephone (949) 478-2933, email info@airwolf3d.com, or visit the company’s showroom at 130 McCormick, Suite 105, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 for a free demonstration.
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Raleigh Gerber, 818-501-4575
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