e-NABLE has grown from a couple of kindhearted 3D printing enthusiasts to the largest network of volunteers dedicated to 3D printing low-cost prosthetics for those in need. The organization has become so big that even 
Currently, anyone with a 3D printer can be connected to someone in need of a prosthetic hand via e-NABLE and begin customizing one of the organization’s designs using their 
Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3D Systems, said of the initiative, “Our technology unlocks everyone’s potential to transform great ideas into real outcomes. By teaming up with the e-NABLE community, we are giving more people the means and the skills to improve lives.” Jon Schull, President of the Enable Community Foundation, added, “We are excited to welcome 3D Systems into partnership with ECF and look forward to leveraging their solutions and expertise to further our reach and impact. It’s notable that 3DS has the vision to open-source their K1 hand so that all sorts of people can use it and learn from it.”
Interestingly, the prosthetic hand design was made by 3DS’ industrial designer Evan Kuester, who designed the Iron Man prosthetic seen in 
The partnership both benefits e-NABLE and 3DS significantly. By partnering with 3DS, e-NABLE has a powerful industry ally, industry expertise, and new printers and university partners, while 3DS further strengthens its work in prosthetics and aligns itself with an organization that is well-perceived by Makers and the mainstream alike. Needless to say, the disabled community benefits by the fact that more volunteers and businesses are working to improve and distribute low-cost prosthetics to a greater number of people, while bringing awareness to their cause.
