The ability to move freely is a cornerstone of early childhood development, crucial for honing physical coordination, fostering mental growth, and cultivating a sense of autonomy. However, for children facing specific health conditions, achieving mobility often necessitates the dedicated assistance of caregivers and specialized assistive devices. This is where innovative organizations like MakeGood are stepping in, leveraging the power of 3D printing to bridge critical gaps in access to essential mobility solutions.
Founded in 2021 in New Orleans by Noam Platt, MakeGood emerged from a direct need within the community. The organization’s genesis was sparked by a local family’s plea for help designing a custom chair for their son with cerebral palsy. Recognizing the potential of 3D printing to democratize the creation of affordable, adaptable assistive technology, Platt envisioned a network that could connect families with local makers equipped with low-cost desktop 3D printers. This model bypasses the often cumbersome and lengthy traditional healthcare and insurance systems, providing devices directly and free of charge.
"Our mission is to design high-quality effective assistive technology that anyone can make for themselves," Platt stated. "Everything we design can be made by individuals, skipping the insurance companies, DME system, healthcare system, etc. It really is about radical self-reliance." This ethos underpins MakeGood’s approach, empowering communities to support their own members through distributed manufacturing.
The MakeGood network has rapidly expanded, now boasting over 1,100 participating makers. This diverse group ranges from individual hobbyists passionate about 3D printing to established, full-service manufacturing companies seeking to contribute to social good. Among these dedicated makers is General Pattern Company, a fourth-generation, family-owned business specializing in molding and mold-making. General Pattern, located in Blaine, Minnesota, has a history of integrating additive manufacturing into its operations for various applications, including CMM fixturing, part prototyping, and mold tooling.
Andrew Fielder, a metrology engineer at General Pattern, discovered MakeGood while exploring potential 3D printing projects. He quickly recognized how MakeGood’s community-centric mission aligned with General Pattern’s long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility. Fielder presented the idea of the company becoming a designated maker to CEO Denny Reiland, who immediately embraced the initiative.
"The reason I brought it to him was from what I’ve learned of Denny in the year I’ve worked here, is any excuse he has to give back to the community he’s all about," Fielder explained. "It took about a minute of conversation with him and he loved it." This swift endorsement allowed Fielder to proceed with the rigorous capability tests required by MakeGood to become a "vetted maker."
The MakeGood Vetted Maker Network: Ensuring Quality and Reach
Becoming a vetted maker involves demonstrating proficiency with 3D printing technology. MakeGood requires participants to submit test prints to ensure the quality and accuracy of their output, screening for issues like ill-fitting parts or warped prints. This meticulous process guarantees that the assistive devices produced are reliable and safe for young users.
"We make sure each vetted maker has a tuned printer by required test prints, and then we also require several photos," Platt elaborated. "At this touchpoint we can screen for ill-fitting parts, warped prints and other errors. We find very, very few problems." This quality control system is vital for maintaining the integrity of MakeGood’s mission and the effectiveness of the devices distributed.
Once vetted, makers like Fielder are placed on MakeGood’s interactive map, which serves as a resource for families seeking assistance. This network allows for localized production, with makers typically serving requests within a radius of approximately 200 miles. Families submit their needs through the MakeGood portal, and local makers can then claim these projects and commence production. This decentralized approach not only expedites the delivery of devices but also fosters local engagement and support.
The Toddler Mobility Trainer (TMT): A Stepping Stone to Independence
While MakeGood supports the design and production of a variety of assistive devices, its primary focus has been on the Toddler Mobility Trainer (TMT). These innovative devices function much like compact wheelchairs, designed to empower children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, or simply those with differing physical abilities, to navigate their environments with greater ease and independence.
The need for such devices is often acute. "Many insurance companies deny families’ mobility devices, or make them wait 5+ years between supplying them with devices," Platt highlighted. "The TMT is a low-cost effective solution that fills those gaps." This bypass of traditional bureaucratic hurdles is a significant aspect of MakeGood’s impact, offering a more immediate and accessible pathway to essential mobility aids.
Beyond providing physical support, the TMT offers a crucial element of autonomy. Unlike passive mobility aids such as strollers or carriers, the TMT is designed to be operated by the child, fostering a profound sense of control and independence. This self-directed movement is invaluable during critical developmental years.
"At this age, having something a little more age-appropriate makes a big difference to the kids," commented Marcy Krosch, senior vice president of sales at General Pattern. The TMT’s design is intentionally engaging and child-friendly, moving away from the clinical appearance of some traditional assistive equipment.
"The design is intended to be a kind of steppingstone into a full-sized mobility device," Fielder added. MakeGood reports that many children successfully transition from the TMT to walkers as they grow, with the 3D-printed devices playing a vital role in building the physical strength and confidence necessary for this progression. This phased approach to mobility support is a testament to the thoughtful design principles at play.
The TMT design itself is a product of collaborative innovation. It was originally conceived by Schuyler Livingston of LINK PBC, who responded to an online call from Platt seeking a 3D printable adaptation of an older, CNC-cut wooden design. Livingston’s contribution was instrumental in developing a design that could be efficiently manufactured on accessible desktop 3D printers. "He put in the effort to design clever ways to assemble large components using a regular consumer 3D printer," Platt acknowledged.
The TMT is specifically engineered for children aged 1 to 8 years. Its design is optimized for filament 3D printers with a minimum build volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm. While larger printers can print components like wheels in a single piece, users with smaller machines can print these parts in sections, ensuring broad accessibility. The Bambu Lab 3D printers have emerged as a popular choice within the MakeGood maker network, valued for their reliability and ease of use, which contributes to consistent print quality across different makers.
"Part of the magic is that all of the printers work basically the same, ensuring repeatability," Platt observed. This standardization is key to maintaining the high quality of devices produced by the distributed network.
General Pattern’s Commitment to TMT Production
General Pattern has embraced the TMT production with enthusiasm. The company has manufactured eight TMTs to date, utilizing a combination of its five Bambu 3D printers and Fielder’s personal printer at home. The intricate printing process for each TMT involves approximately 40 structural components, requiring around 330 hours of printing time spread across roughly 28 individual print jobs. The primary material used is durable PETG, known for its strength and reliability. For the cushioning and other softer elements, General Pattern employs either standard TPU or an innovative active-foaming TPU. The latter material offers the unique advantage of varying its durometer (hardness) based on the print temperature, allowing for customized comfort and support.
The use of active-foaming TPU presented a learning curve for Fielder. "The material bonds super well to the build plate. Turns out, unfortunately too well. So I did ruin a build plate in the process," he candidly shared. However, a simple solution involving a layer of blue painter’s tape on the build plate resolved the adhesion issue for subsequent prints. This experience, though challenging, proved valuable, leading General Pattern to adopt active-foaming filament for prototyping foam parts for their regular customers, which are subsequently injection molded for mass production.
Beyond the 3D-printed components, each TMT requires minimal additional hardware: two bearings, two washers, and six bolts. James Meyer, another metrology colleague at General Pattern, collaborates with Fielder on the assembly process. "With the two of us it probably takes around an hour," Fielder estimated. He further described the assembly as intuitive: "The parts dovetail and kind of slide into place, and then as you assemble it further, one component locks in another component." This design efficiency minimizes assembly time and complexity.
General Pattern has set a commendable goal of producing one mobility device per month to support families within the MakeGood network. This commitment reflects a broader understanding of the transformative impact these devices can have.
"I think it’s a really good way for both manufacturers and hobbyists alike to be able to do something that’s not only a useful 3D print, but also something that shows the world some other uses of additive manufacturing," Fielder remarked, highlighting the dual benefit of practical application and technological demonstration.
Krosch expressed pride in the company’s involvement: "It makes me incredibly proud to be part of this company, and seeing our team committed to making a difference."
Broader Impact and Future Implications
The ripple effect of MakeGood’s initiative extends far beyond the immediate provision of assistive devices. For the makers, it offers a profound sense of purpose and the opportunity to directly impact lives within their communities. "For the makers, this is a real opportunity to be a true hero to people in their communities," Platt emphasized.
The implications for the children and their families are particularly significant. Reports from parents and clinicians suggest a revolutionary impact on pediatric mobility outcomes. The enhanced independence fostered by the TMT contributes not only to physical development but also to cognitive growth. Crucially, the devices are designed to be fun and engaging, incorporating the child’s favorite colors and interests. This personalization helps children feel seen and celebrated, transforming their experience from one of perceived difference to one of positive distinction.
"We are hearing that kids are becoming much more independent, and with mobility comes brain development as well. Perhaps the most important thing is that the chairs are fun! The colors and style fit into the lives of kids, and their friends love them. So now the kids go from being the ‘other’ to being the coolest one on the playground," Platt concluded. "We have heard from parents and clinicians that this is a revolutionary device that will change pediatric mobility outcomes for generations."
The MakeGood model, with its emphasis on accessible technology, community collaboration, and direct impact, represents a significant advancement in how assistive devices can be designed, manufactured, and distributed. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve and become more widespread, initiatives like MakeGood are poised to play an increasingly vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive and supportive society. The success of the TMT program serves as a powerful testament to the potential of grassroots innovation and the profound difference that can be made when technology is harnessed for humanitarian good.
