3D printing arm made by a Vietnamese company helped Lieutenant Dinh Van Duong - the only survivor of the plane crash in Hoa Lac on 7/7/2014 - recovered part of the operation. mine.

The author of this artificial hand is 3D Master, specializing in research and production of products in the field of 3D printing and 3D scan.

" With Yang's arm we have created many different versions. The first is the test version for mechanical, mechanical control, wire; Then came the control versions one - two fingers and finally five fingers, how to coordinate five fingers by thinking. So far, the product is relatively complete. Good or not, I will not confirm that wait time and Duong reflects that is the most objective "- Mr. Nguyen Van Cuong - Director of 3D Master Company - said.

After the accident, Duong experienced 24 surgeries, three cardiac arrests, no more than two hands and two legs, many skin deformities; but this pilot had a very good attitude before the grim reality when he always found himself lucky to still be alive. 

He was fitted with both artificial arms, one donated by 3D Master Company, one donated by the team of MC Phan Anh.

artificial arms to pour water for MC Phan Anh, Hanoi

According to Duong, who is connected to the 3D Master Company by a volunteer group, "Using this arm I could hold a bottle of water and pour water. Although initially still a little rigid, not yet mature, but thanks to the guidance of the technician, I also grasp the basic principles.

Having lost both hands after the accident, Yang was delighted to be able to handle the daily objects, less of a time to take care of the family.

Flexible control mechanism

According to Cuong's share, Duong's case was "not the same". Unlike congenital malformations or accidents, Yang's arm is still part of the hand.

Earlier, several other companies in the field of prosthetic arms advised surgeon Duong surgery to remove the hands, they have new prosthesis for him. However, the family disagreed with the plan because he did not want him to undergo another surgery.

" We went to Mr. Yang and put forward his design idea that kept his status quo. We have 3D scanning and 3D printing technology that can be copied, printed and customized according to the state of the hands and they do not have to change anything. Before starting to work, we also asked questions, surveyed Mr. Duong's needs to ensure the product close to use, "- said Cuong.

Lieutenant Duong's arm was taken by the research team for about three months, with the weight of his own hand is about 0.5kg, the weight of the object can hold from 2-3kg. Mr. Cuong has not stated a specific cost but claims that the product is several times cheaper than similar products in the world.

According to Cuong, in Vietnam there are also companies that sell products of foreign companies but at very high prices - from 500-600 million / arm.

Yang's artificial arms have a rather flexible control mechanism. When Mr. Yang thinks of holding something, the signal from the brain that transmits to the bundles will be picked up and digitized by the sensor, transmitted to the circuit and controlled by electric motors; These motors will pull the fingers as desired to hold or release the object. Corresponding to each finger is a set of engines and precise mechanical transmission system, ensuring the grip of the most appropriate.

The power supplied to the engine is a special battery, which is charged wirelessly. The battery has a capacity of 1,100-2,200mAh and has a capacity indicator light so users can know when to charge the battery.

The mechanical hand is designed through 3D scanning technology and is made using 3D printing technology. The material of the fingers is the plastic industry from Zortrax, the material of the frame core is aluminum, copper, stainless steel. Silicon coated finger tips safely increase friction when handling the object, he said, the most difficult today is not active battery supply that must be imported from abroad at a very expensive price. He wants to have large orders to reduce the cost of products to about 100 million / arm for people with disabilities not only in Vietnam but also in neighboring countries.

In the near future, the team will develop VbionicHand v5.1 with more customization, restoring motion to those with only one or more fingers, according to Cuong.