3D printing prosthetics for amputees is an innovative opportunity to provide a lower cost and customized alternative to current technologies. Companies, such as E-NABLE and YouBionic are developing myoelectric prosthetics, electrically powered terminal devices activated by electromyography (EMG), for transradial amputees. Prosthetics that are 3D printed are less expensive for juvenile use, more sustainable, and more accessible for those without insurance. Although they are typically not outfitted with the same complex grip patterns or durability of a traditional myoelectric prosthetic, they offer a sufficient durability (withstanding up to 150 N on average) and allow for new opportunities in prosthetic development. Devils Prosthetics, a student research and development group associated with Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), has investigated the benefits and pitfalls of utilizing polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) for 3D printing prosthetics as well as combining a MyoWare EMG sensor with machine learning for optimal control of the prosthetic.
This thesis paper outlines the Ctrl+P print store business, an honors thesis project conducted through the Founder’s Lab program at Arizona State University. The project is an online store for 3D printed items, operated by a team of four students with backgrounds in engineering and finance. Three team members have experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and can design products to print and sell, while the fourth member is responsible for the financial side of the business. The project began with a broader scope but later focused on the niche community of pool. In the spring semester, the team conducted customer discovery with over 600 ASU students; and in the fall semester, reached out to several pool halls to facilitate feedback on designs of custom pool racks. The team currently has a pending business deal with Mill’s Modern Social, a pool hall and bar in Tempe. The team's goal was to be revenue-earning by the end of the project, and they have already made a profit as a business.
Ctrl+P is a start-up business created through the founder's lab class at W.P. Carey. Our group created a 3D print shop that specializes in making products, such as customizable key chains and prominent landmarks, as well as custom 3D printed solutions for local businesses and companies.
Ctrl+P is an online store for 3D printed items, founded by four members with experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and financial management. They initially started with a broader scope but later focused on designing custom pool racks for the pool community. They conducted customer discovery with over 634 ASU students and landed an ongoing business deal with Mill’s Modern Social, a pool hall and bar in Tempe. The team has already made a profit and aims to be revenue-earning by the end of the project. The financial plan includes potential expenses for website development, printer filament, and 3D printers. Ctrl+P's brand mission is to print products desired by customers, that consult Ctrl+P. The long-term goal of the team is to continue to gain customers, and expand the business to a larger customer base.