Collins Memorial Library: OT 614: Intervention Across The Lifespan: 3D Printing at Puget Sound

3D Printing Adaptive Aids

You can read the full paper (Nicole Gallup, Jennifer K. Bow, and Joshua M. Pearce. Economic Potential for Distributed Manufacturing of Adaptive Aids for Arthritis Patients in the U.S. Geriatrics 2018, 3(4), 89; https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3417/3/4/89) and download all models here.

Makers Making Change

Makers Making Change Assistive Devices
This repository of assistive devices is "an open source collection of assistive technology solutions" created by volunteers with Makers Making Change, an organization devoted to "connecting people with disabilities to volunteer makers who can build affordable assistive technologies."

Tips for Searching for Adaptive Technology

This semester, you will need to print an adaptive device using the 3D printers in the Collins Library Makerspace. You can choose to create your own design from scratch, but that may be a bit daunting if you don't already have experience with 3D modeling. Most groups will probably choose to find an existing design using a repository such as Thingiverse (see below for links to where to find designs).

When searching for information about creating adaptive technology, or looking for examples of 3D printed objects, you may need to be creative with your search terms. Of course searching for variations on 'adaptive' or 'assistive' will be helpful, but you may also consider including the name of the condition that may be impacting mobility (e.g 'arthritis') or the name of the aid (e.g 'button hook' or 'handle').

Repositories for 3D Print Models

Thingiverse
An expansive repository of community-created 3D object files.
STL Finder
A search engine for STL files that searches across multiple repositories, including Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, GrabCAD, etc.

Free 3D Modeling Software

Tinkercad
"Tinkercad is an easy, browser-based 3D design and modeling tool for all, created by AutoDesk. Tinkercad allows users to imagine anything and then design it in minutes." (No software installation required.)
Google SketchUp
Create a free personal account to begin using this browser-based 3D modeling software.

Makerspace

Please visit the Makerspace Guide to learn more about the Collins Library Makerspace and the equipment, resources, and services available.

If you need to meet outside the posted appointment times, please email makerspace@pugetsound.edu and the Makerspace staff will work with you to determine if we are able to accommodate the request.

Follow us on Instagram @collinsmakerspace