Independence Day 2024 will go down as one of the most dangerous holidays in history. Early estimates are projecting nearly 19,400 injuries this year. The next closest year was 2020, during the height of the plandemic, which saw 15,600 injuries. Rather than seeking treatment by expensive — not to mention judgmental — prosthetists, savvy injury victims are opting for a cheaper, less embarrassing option. Namely, 3d printing their own replacement hands. According to Markets and Markets, a 3d printer sales spike of 720% occurred on July 8th.
3d printing is not new to the prosthetics business, but the scale at which do-it-yourselfers have eroded the market has grown exponentially. The increase is mostly due availability of inexpensive 3d printers and media. Another factor is the volume of shared and open-source prosthetic models. If you are among the thousands who lost fingers, a hand, or even half an arm, there are limitless options. And if you’re one of the more creative types, you aren’t limited to standard prosthetics. You can find or design appendages to meet your own varying and specific needs. Cheap, customizable DIY prosthetics are all the rage.
The 3d printer sales spike is likely to result in continued lower priced 3d printing options. Making it easier than ever for DIYers to take care of themselves.