Biofabris | Elle: The Incredible 3D Printed Swimming Leg for Amputees

The capabilities of 3D printing have enabled many individuals to live more fulfilling lives. We have seen literally hundreds of 3D printed prosthetic hands, thanks to organizations such as E-nabling The Future, and designers are constantly striving to reach new heights in the creation of a variety of other types of prosthetic limbs. There will eventually come a time when technology converges with biology to give us all superhuman capabilities if we choose. I’m certainly not suggesting that people will be running to their surgeons in order to have their limbs amputated in favor of some new mechanical or even 3D printed device; however, those with missing limbs today may soon be more capable then typical able bodied individuals. Or is this already happening as we speak?

Designer of Elle, Della Tosin

In the 2012 Olympics, Oscar Pistorius became the first amputee runner to compete in the games. In doing so, many questioned whether this was fair, since his prosthetic legs could have been used as an advantage. Surely there will be debates in upcoming Olympic Games as well as other competitions on whether these athletes should be allowed to compete.

There are so many amazing athletic individuals who are gaining opportunities thanks to new technological advancements. One such group of athletes may soon be swimmers, at least if Della Tosin has a say in all of this. Tosin, who was born in Indonesia and currently attends the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, has been developing quite the amazing 3D printed prosthetic device. Called ‘Elle,’ her device is a prosthetic swimming leg for those who wish to compete in the pool with able bodied individuals. Tosin, a swimmer herself, realizes the capabilities needed in such a leg, and has set forth a design which can achieve all of them.

“In competitions, each participant is required to undergo three phases: launching off, swimming, and flip turning, explains Tosin. “Each phase requires a different energy release profile. Swimming requires rigorous physical exertion to maintain consistency. Elle ensures that amputees can maintain endurance by supporting their backs, hips, and thighs just like normal swimmers.”