CCTC prints 3-D prosthetic hand for local seventh-grader

Central Carolina Technical College Engineering Graphics Technology
program prints 3-D prosthetic hand for local seventh-grader

Sumter, S.C. – This morning, Connor Morgan was given a free 3-D printed prosthetic right hand from Central Carolina Technical College’s Engineering Graphics Technology program. Using a publicly shared design, Engineering Graphics Technology Program Manager David Tuders and his students created and modified a prototype specifically designed for Connor. On February 6, while attending a field trip at CCTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center, Connor and his mother, Shanna Morgan, were surprised with a fitting for a prosthetic hand.

“This project has been in the works since December (2015), when Marian Marlowe, Clarendon School District 2 Instructional Coach, approached me while visiting the AMTTC.” David Tuders explains. “Ms. Marlowe had already spoken with a few colleges about this project, and while many seemed interested, there was no forward motion with the project. “CCTC was thrilled at the opportunity to engineer a hand, especially since it would benefit a young person like Connor,” Tuders said.

To create the hand, Tuders and his second-year students worked with three different software programs: AutoCad, AutoDesk Inventor and SolidWorks. The construction of the hand, which consists of 17 pieces, lasted a full week, while the printing of the final hand took approximately 15 hours. CCTC acquired its first 3-D printer in 2008. At the time, this type of technology was expensive and bulky. Now Tuders and his students use more compact 3-D printers capable of printing in plastic. For Connor’s hand, two specific printers were used, a MakerBot Z18 and a MarkerBot 2X.

Tuders’ passion for engineering graphics lives in the idea of “creating something out of nothing.” He continues, “You get to hold ideas in your hand. It is a fulfilling experience to take your idea, design it and make it come into existence. Connor’s prosthetic hand is a perfect example of the process.” Graduates of the Engineering Graphics Technology program find occupations as CAD Designers, Design Drafters, Mechanical Drafters, Architectural Drafters, CAD Operators, Computer-Aided Design Technicians, Civil Drafters and Drafters.

For more information regarding CCTC’s Engineering Graphics Technology program click here.