The designer already had a vested interest in seeing a concept like this come to fruition as he is not only a SCUBA enthusiast who also worked with amputees while in the military, but he is currently a SCUBA diving teacher through Operation Blue Pride (OBP), a nonprofit organization through which he received his own SCUBA training. Jones offers his SCUBA diving instruction as a way for veterans to cope with the resulting stress from time spent in combat. These veterans may now be quadriplegic, have suffered amputations, or be blind. With the program through OBP, vets have both the accessibility and affordability to enjoy SCUBA and clear their minds underwater.
Upon winning the grant from Shapeways, Jones will be able to take his work one step further, quite literally. The Shapeways Education Grant offers designers up to $1,000 so that they can realize a concept ‘pushing the boundaries of 3D printing.’ This is an extended effort from the world-famous 3D printing service bureau and marketplace, supporting innovation with 3D printing technology. Twice a year they offer this grant which allows for up to $1,000 in printing credit for unique student projects. (If you are interested in applying, the next deadline is October 31, 2016.)
For this project, Jones has to learn about 3D digital design. He began with his 2D sketches and then figured out how to use 3D modeling to get to the next stage. Not only that, he’s already completed a second prototype for the prosthetic and hopes to have a fully developed and functional project available to the public by the end of this year. According to a recent blog by Shapeways, Jones will be using the $1,000 grand to launch the design for the all-in-one prosthetic that hopefully will allow many in the future to enjoy walking and running, along with the serenity of swimming and diving underwater.
Learn more about the Shapeways Education Grant and apply here. Catch up with previous winners, too. Discuss this design over in the 3D Printed Swimming Prosthetic forum at 3DPB.com.
[Source / Images: Shapeways]