Glasgow University students who make prosthetic arms want to help more people in need

A team of student volunteers who make 3D printed prosthetic arms are hoping to spread the word about their work.

Handprints e-Nable Scotland came together in 2016, on a group decision to make better use of the 3D printers available at the university.

The volunteers can create a personalised arm for an adult or child within a 12 hour window - adding designs such as cartoons or logos onto them.

The team hope more people in Glasgow and the surrounding areas see their work as a stepping stone while waiting for a prosthetic arm from NHS Scotland.

The waiting time for one can usually vary between several weeks to several months.

Each arm created costs the team between £10 and £15, however the arm comes at no cost to the recipient.

Rhianna Sweeney, Education Co-ordinator for Handprints e-Nable Scotland, said:

"We had 3D printers just sitting around in the engineering department and the initial contributors to this society decided it was better we did something really meaningful and worthwhile with them rather than just printing random things.

"We really do see our prosthetics as a stepping stone for younger recipients until they can receive a full prosthetic from the NHS.

"The fact that we can personalise these arms to whatever the children want is really rewarding - it makes them feel like they can show it off to their friends and not be embarrassed.

"We've made Iron Man, we've made My Little Pony - it's just a cool thing to be able to do."

The charity-based society hope more people who require a prosthetic arm contact them.

Handprints e-Nable Scotland can be reached by email at handprints.enable@gmail.com.