## 6 Advantages of Including 3D Printing in the Manufacture of Prostheses
### Reduced Costs and Production Time  
Another disruptive change brought by 3D printing was the drastic reduction in production costs. Traditionally, the manufacture of robotic prosthetics involved complex and expensive techniques, such as precision molding or machining, which meant that many people could not access advanced robotic devices. Three-dimensional printing, on the other hand, makes it possible to manufacture high-quality prostheses at a fraction of the cost, using more affordable materials such as PLA, ABS, and nylon, which have good mechanical properties for prosthetic applications [35]. Traditional robotic prosthetics can cost between $5000 and $50,000, making them inaccessible to many people, especially in developing countries [36]. In contrast, 3D printing has enabled the production of functional prostheses at a cost of between $50 and $500, depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used [37]. (This estimate is based on some commercial prosthetics and the costs that 3D-printed prosthetics can have).  
This advancement has enabled more people around the world to access robotic prosthetics while significantly reducing production times. Traditional prostheses could take weeks or even months to manufacture, whereas 3D printing can produce one within days [38]. It is essential to note that 3D printing is only part of the process. Creating a complete prosthesis also involves molding the residual limb and assembling the prosthetic device, which can extend production to around a week. This shorter timeline not only benefits patients needing urgent solutions but also supports rapid, cost-effective design iterations for custom adjustments.  
Below is a Table 4 showing average production times for prostheses using various technologies. These times are averages, as each prosthesis design varies significantly [39; 40].  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**Production Method** & **Estimated Production Time** & **Process** & **Role in Final Assembly** \\ \hline Traditional Prosthesis Manufacturing [41] & 4 to 8 weeks & Mold creation, manual production, and multiple fitting sessions for precision & Complete production and assembly; requires extensive fitting \\ \hline \hline \multirow{4}{*}{3D Printing of Base Structure} & \multirow{4}{*}{24 to 72 h} & Initial creation of the prosthetic frame, typically for a basic fit without intricate parts & Partial; additional components (joints, supports) are assembled separately \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{3D Scanning for Custom Fit [42]} & \multirow{2}{*}{12 to 48 h} & 3D scanning of residual limb, enhancing fit accuracy and reducing manual adjustments & Foundational; informs design for other parts and reduces fitting time \\ \hline \multirow{2}{*}{3D Printing of Functional Prosthetics [43]} & \multirow{2}{*}{3 to 7 days} & Incorporates moving parts (joints, fingers) and allows for limited motor integration & Core structure with initial assembly; requires further mechanical testing \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Integration of Electronic Components [44]} & \multirow{2}{*}{1 to 2 weeks} & Adds sensors, batteries, and actuators to functional prosthesis; precise placement is essential & Critical for functionality; ensures compatibility and safety \\ \cline{1-1} \cline{3-3} \cline{5-