Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), a leader in additive manufacturing solutions, and Limbitless Solutions, a nonprofit research facility at the University of Central Florida dedicated to empowering children through bionics, today announced the expansion of a 12-year collaboration that has already helped deliver hundreds of 3D-printed prosthetic devices to children across the United States and beyond.
The expanded partnership will feature a renewed focus on sustainability, education, and increasing access to 3D-printed prosthetics for children everywhere.
Credit: Stratasys
Annika using her customized prosthetic limb with color-shifting paint from Limbitless Solutions, developed using Stratasys-enabled manufacturing processes.
Since 2014, Stratasys has supported Limbitless in its mission to empower individuals and increase accessibility through interdisciplinary teamwork, STEAM education, and expressive assistive technology. Through donations of materials, advanced additive manufacturing technology, and engineering expertise, Stratasys has helped the organization provide life-changing prosthetic solutions while inspiring future engineers and innovators. Using Stratasys additive manufacturing, Limbitless produced end-use prosthetic components, 3D printed molds for thermoformed cosmetic elements, and accelerated product development through rapid prototyping prior to injection-molded production.
For many children, these prosthetics provide functionality, as well as help build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create a sense of possibility.
The partnership includes a dedicated Limbitless lab at the University of Central Florida, equipped with multiple Stratasys systems, where students gain hands-on experience using 3D printing to create social impact and develop real-world engineering skills.
This year, the two organizations have put a greater focus on sustainability. Stratasys donated one of its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) F370® 3D printers to support ongoing operations, student education, and community outreach, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility and circular manufacturing can work together to create lasting impact.
“This long-standing partnership reflects the best of what Stratasys has to offer,” said Rosa Coblens, VP Sustainability & Communications at Stratasys. “Through our Mindful Manufacturing™ approach, we are advancing sustainability while supporting meaningful social impact. By reconditioning high-performing equipment through our Certified Pre-Owned program, we not only reduce waste but also enable purpose-driven organizations like Limbitless to extend their reach and empower more lives.”
“Stratasys has been with us since day one,” said Albert Manero, PhD, Executive Director and Co-founder of Limbitless Solutions. “What started as a short phone call while I was in graduate school turned into a decade-long partnership that shows how additive manufacturing can create a tangible impact for the children we serve and the future engineers and designers working to build a more accessible world.”
The Stratasys Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program extends the life of additive manufacturing equipment through factory-certified refurbishment and redeployment. By providing organizations with access to reliable, high-quality 3D printing technology, the program supports Stratasys' commitment to circular manufacturing and resource efficiency.