New 3-D Printer Program at HMS

Technology, philanthropy and youthful energy will mix in a new program that is coming to Hastings Middle school. Principal Mark Zuzek announced the partnership between the school and a world wide community called e-NABLE. A web of resources are needed including use of 3-D printers and plastic filament material, a trio of which were recently purchased with a grant by the Hastings Public Schools Foundation. Students involved in the program will gain insight to the engineering process as they create parts used in assembling prosthetic hands. The system of pieces are joined with assemble kits that include finger grips, elastic cords and tensioner kits which turn modeled segments into a fully functioning hand. If this seems like an episode of the Bionic Man, keep in mind that the program has been building prosthetics for more than 3 years and the addition of small school groups will increase the number of these valuable tools that can be provided to those in need. The students will be mentored by a class in Wisconsin who have completed their first hand and will guide the Hastings group through the learning curve necessary to manufacture these prosthetics. Zuzek is excited to have the program at HMS and also states that donations for the cost of more assembly kits are welcomed and can be made by contacting Zuzek at the Hastings Middle School. 651-480-7060.