#SecondChances by Plastics Europe: the story of Consolation

Plastics Europe collaborates with Ayúdame3D in the #SecondChances campaign, which aims to generate a social impact thanks to technology through the delivery of 10 trésdesis, 3D printed arms, to people with disabilities in different parts of the world. This is the story of Consolación.

The first person to receive his trésdesis as part of the #SecondChances campaign was Mahjoub, a boy from Morocco who had lost both arms and received his new prostheses on his birthday. Today we tell you the story of Consolación, a woman from Madrid who has received her trésdesis designed 100% for her after two years of prototyping, development and manufacturing.

At the end of 2020 we delivered to Consolación her two Mery trésdesis adapted to her measurements and needs. Although the arms worked and Consolación could grasp and hold objects without any problem, we realized that the trésdesis were not really 100% adapted for her. We began a process of designing and modeling her devices to make her as comfortable as possible and to make her arms functional. 

We work with reclaimed PLA for most of the trésdesis. Something positive that we find working with this material is the ease of adaptation, versatility and the possibilities it offers.

We created a second model of trésdesis for Consolación, readapting some parts of the old one and creating new ones, and went back to test it. It worked much better and adapted to Consolation's needs more easily although it was still not the final one. We needed to make it lighter and have a better grip on her limb and not cause her any discomfort. In the end, we created a hybrid Mery trésdesis design with a modified forearm and came up with a Velcro system specially designed for her case.

"I love doing this work and seeing how the efforts are rewarded with smiles. Seeing her hair done was very exciting and more than compensates for all the time and effort invested" says Stephanie, logistics manager of Ayúdame3D and in charge of the design process of these trésdesis for Consolación.

Nearly two years of design, development, testing and changes have led us to create the perfect devices for Consolation. A fundamental part of our work is the research and development part, a long but very necessary process to ensure that all people receive their second chance.

Campaigns such as #SecondChances by Plastics Europe make it possible for this research to go ahead, for people with disabilities to have access to functional and adapted devices and ultimately have a better quality of life.