Printed Flat Raptor Reloaded Gauntlet

youmagine

Wrist-powered prosthetic hands are frequently failing due to subpar printer performance, where parts tend to split along their grain. The gauntlet's geometry with slots for velcro straps is particularly susceptible. When printed in PLA, thermoforming is effortless because hot water in a tray brings the part up to glass transition temperature quickly. It can even be molded around the recipient's arm using a towel as a buffer between the skin and the hot part.When printed in ABS, it becomes more challenging because an oven must be used, and the part remains in a rubbery state for only a few seconds when exposed to room temperature. Try setting it on a block of wood on a tray and observe the wings drooping. Then remove the tray from the oven and shape the curves using gloved hands.The criss-crossed layers retain their plywood properties after thermoforming, resulting in a part that is extremely strong, similar to molded plywood boat hulls.Credits:The gauntlet design was adapted from https://www.youmagine.com/designs/raptor-reloaded-by-e-nableThe design was created in Tinkercad from the Raptor Reloaded stl file and can be modified at https://tinkercad.com/things/bgGS12sgROb