A redditor takes 3D printed prosthetics one step further by modeling and creating a new foot for his father’s beloved G.I. Joe action figure.

In the world of 3D printing, prostheses have become fairly commonplace. Even animals are benefiting from the highly customizable replacement parts. Yet if you thought this trend couldn’t be taken any further, clearly you didn’t consider prostheses for toys.

You know who did? coldblade2000, a member of Reddit, the popular online discussion platform. He recently received his father’s favorite G.I. Joe action figure, who has unfortunately been without a right foot for over 30 years.

Thus the redditor took it upon himself to 3D print a prosthetic for the toy. That may sound like a fun and simple task, but in reality the process was quite involved.

Including modeling and fixing printer issues, it took the maker over 10 hours and nearly two weeks to reach his goal. Along the way, he used Maya to generate the 3D models, Cura for slicing, and a Monoprice Maker Select V2 for printing.

Thankfully, the redditor was able to use the existing left foot as an example to work from. As can be seen from the photo below, it attaches to an articulating ankle rod that inserts into a small hole at the bottom of the calf.

G.I. Joe Made Whole Again

In order to remain attached and to support a standing position, both the joint and the rod require tight fits. Thus, the first step was modeling the ankle rod based on its existing counterpart in the intact foot.

The second step was the foot itself. This started as a model from Thingiverse, which then went through several iterations. With no toes, the model is a true prosthetic, valuing function over form.

As an additional aid to the old-timer, the redditor also modeled a cane. As this part was just for fun, little time was spent developing it.

Once all the rough models were completed, they were appropriately scaled, smoothed, and printed. Despite being relatively easy to model, the ankle rod required several fix-and-print cycles in order to accommodate the printer and adjust dimensions.

The final product was nearly perfect right out of the printer. Only a bit of tape around the ankle rod was necessary to ensure it didn’t fall out of the calf hole. The foot required no sanding and the redditor remarked that the joint was strong even without the bolt at the ankle.

“Probably the most precise mechanism I’ve had to make with a 3D printer so far.”

“Probably the most precise mechanism I’ve had to make with a 3D printer so far,” he says. But a few critical users were quick to argue that Joe was holding the cane on the wrong side to the injured limb. It turns out that this is not in fact the case; the idea is that your bad limb never has to balance you on its own.

The point is moot anyway, as Joe’s right hand isn’t much good for anything anymore, the old rubber having broken down years ago. But for now, let us rejoice at his newfound mobility, and celebrate the marvel that is 3D printing.

Via: Reddit