Gino Tubaro is the young student who started this project. He travels around in a truck that’s equipped with solar panels, and goes around printing 3D prostheses to give them out to those who need them.
The young inventor
It all started some years ago, when Tubaro was only 16 years old. He had set up a 3D printer all by himself, although 3D printing technology was still in its early stages. From then on, he decided what he would be doing for the rest of his life. He kept experimenting and improving his technique until he set up what now is “Atomic Lab”.
A non-profit organization
Atomic Lab is a non-profit, non-governamental organization that is changing people’s lives all around the world. In addition to this particular project, it has many others going on. And they all have one thing in common: providing products 100% for free.
Making prosthesis available for everyone
Tubaro claims that he think this is something society needs. Prostheses were extremely expensive and people could not afford them, thus becoming unreachable for those who need it. He came up with a solution, and made it available for those who ask for it.
PLA, a biodegradable material
The prostheses are 3D-printed out of a material called PLA, which is a corn derivative. It’s completely biodegradable, unlike other materials they chose not to use, which also means it cannot cause skin rashes or any other conditions.
Not just for children
The inventor is riding around Argentina creating prosthesis as he goes, using the energy that comes from the solar panels. However, his project has already gone worldwide. “The superhero factory”, though the name might lead you to believe it’s focused on children, is available for all age ranges.
The project obtained that name because it was set up with the thought in mind of allowing people to have a “superhero hand”. Children are those who need it the most, as they will keep growing and moving. But the prostheses have been given out to an equal number of adults.
Make a donation
As the Superhero Factory is a non-profit organization, it relies on the donations of people. You can make your contribution on their webpage, and make sure they keep putting smiles on people’s faces.
A worldwide project
Throughout the world, the project is active in over 35 countries, a number that is still constantly increasing. They count with over 1000 ambassadors that help print the 3D prosthesis, and over 2000 volunteers that help set them up and send them out, amongst other tasks.
Would you like to improve the design?
It’s worth noting that all of the 3D designs of the limbs, as well as the accessories, that have been designed from the start on, have been published freely for anyone to use. The intention behind it is that people download, and print them, and then try to improve the designs.
Images: Instagram