B9Creations and Black Hills Works partner for 3D printed disability assistance

3D printing company B9Creations has partnered with South Dakota-based Black Hills Works to deliver 3D printed assets to aid and assist over 600 people with disabilities.

The project will target those already in Black Hills' network, which aims to offer housing, recreational activities and employment to many with impairment disabilities and the partnership with the 3D printers will enable them to deliver equipment that could aid in the handling of eating utensils to wheelchair grips, workplace tools and more.

Read more: The effect the pandemic has had on 3D printing adoption

It is designed to give those with disabilities greater autonomy and independence and will be operated using B9's resin-based LCD manufacturing processes.

The company is seeing a constant rise year-on-year, with over 700 solutions delivered in 2020 alone, a 54% rise from 2019.

"The 3D printer will help us save money by making something rather than buying it," said Tammy Murner, the director for innovation and technology at Black Hills. "We will have the resources to individualise solutions to better meet the needs of the people we support."

The partnership could stand to decrease the price of such assistive devices, which are currently very expensive and the market for them is nearly non-existent.

Potential products range from mobility aids such as crutches and wheelchairs to advanced hearing aids and even prosthetic limbs. There has become a particular push within the healthcare sector to 3D print medical devices, which have seen a significant increase in demand during the pandemic.

However, accessibility for 3D printing infrastructure is still relatively exclusive. The technology required may still be a significant hurdle in allowing complete market penetration.

However, recent reports estimate the 3D printing market as a whole clock in at roughly $13.78 billion for 2020 and is expected to see an increase of 21% annually between 2021 and 2028, according to one study.

B9Creations provides 3D printed hardware for a number of key players across a number of industrial sectors, including Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, 3M and Procter & Gamble covering aerospace, healthcare,  manufacturing, research and jewellery. 

Read more: ICON and NASA deliver world's first 3D printed rocket pad

Shon Anderson, CEO of B9Creations, highlighted the potential for this partnership and the vital role it could play in changing people lives.

He said: “Assistive devices are vital to people’s lives, but are often costly, time-consuming to produce, and unable to meet individualized needs. We are excited to partner with Black Hills Works to remove those barriers with accessible, fast, customizable parts in an easy-to-use, medical-grade 3D printer.

"It is very rewarding to see technology being used to transform people’s lives and give them greater independence."

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