3D printed wheelchair for MakerED challenge #MakerEdChallenge2

thingiverse

This MUST become a school project. I am entering this in the #MakerEdChallenge2 because some kids can sew the seat covers, others in wood class can make the frame and others can 3D print the parts, while seniors could design it better for a great cause. I created this wheelchair because I have used one before due to my own illness. As an Olympic volunteer at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, part of my job was helping people who are differently abled move around the Olympic park. We even received training on operating a wheelchair during induction. Over the last three years, I have been 3D printing many things for many people and it's time to make something for a noble cause. So, I thought I should pay it forward and create one that anyone in the world could make and assemble with just a few tools. This project has taken a lot of time, effort and resources to design and build. As you know, any prototype is expensive at first, so I am happy to wear the costs. My purpose is to share it with the world for free, however a small contribution would be a huge help to continue its development. Please go here and help me if you believe in this worthy cause: https://www.paypal.me/justonedollar My dream would be for this project to be copied by someone like IKEA and mass produce this flat packed and shipped wherever these might be needed as part of help that countries offer one another. The material list will include: * Plywood/MDF 16mm thick * Roll of plastic (1 kilo exactly) * Zip ties (to support non-load bearing components instead of using nuts, bolts and washers which are heavier and more expensive) * Rods 'broom sticks' of two sizes (50mm for cross bracing and 20mm for the others) * Nuts and bolts (will specify how many, what type, size, length, etc.) * Paint (because the frame is kind of chunky a nice vibrant happy colour would be great) * 2 old/new long 'socks' for the arm rests * Fabric for the seats (I was thinking flour bags) and or old t-shirts Tools required: * Jigsaw * Drill (hand held or electric) * Screwdriver * Spanner (will specify size) * Access to a 3D printer * Access to needle and thread * Pair of scissors * And a bit of room to make it. Finally, I don't like the term disabled so instead I replace it with "a different kind of perfect" which I got from here.