Case Study: University of Central Florida achieves $350 3D-printed bionic arms for children with Stratasys

3D Printing Opens the Door for Bionic Arms for Children in Need for Under $350

The University of Central Florida was approached to help a six‑year‑old born without his lower right arm who could not afford traditional prosthetics that can cost up to $40,000. UCF students and volunteers aimed to design an affordable, adaptable solution and used Stratasys’ Dimension Elite 3D Printer and ABSplus material to prototype and produce the replacement limb.

Using the Stratasys Dimension Elite, the UCF team delivered a functioning myoelectric arm in about eight weeks that weighs roughly one pound and can be updated as the child grows; the first prototype cost about $350 (hand updates ≈ $20, forearm ≈ $40), yielding a ~$39,650 savings versus conventional devices. Stratasys’ 3D printing enabled rapid iteration and high resolution parts, allowing the team (now Limbitless Solutions) to publish designs, deliver arms to other children worldwide, and scale a low‑cost prosthetic approach.

University of Central Florida