MatterHackers.com is partnering with the enablingthefuture.org website to create the first comprehensive online retail hub for educators and volunteer groups looking to make a difference.

The e-NABLE Hub will utilize MatterHackers’ expertise on how to choose the right 3D printer, filament, and accessories for a project, as well as offer recommendations from the e-NABLE community. A portion of all proceeds from the Hub will go straight back to the enablingthefuture.org website, to keep their important volunteer-based work going for generations to come.

Enablingthefuture.org is a website where e-NABLE volunteers from around the world can gather information on how to download and donate 3D printed hands and arms for children and adults in need of an upper limb assistive device.

“Enableingthefuture.org started off as my personal blog to document my husband’s work and the growing community of e-NABLE volunteers,” explains Jen Owen, co-founder of the e-NABLE community, “but while I could provide information about the e-NABLE mission and designs, I couldn’t answer the endless questions regarding which 3D printer or materials people should buy. Given their expertise, this is where MatterHackers can really help this community.”

Now with MatterHackers as a partner, there will be an e-NABLE Hub at www.matterhackers.com/e-nable. MatterHackers has also created custom education bundles for e-NABLE projects for educators who are interested in using 3D printing for e-NABLE devices as part of their STEAM learning programs. The e-NABLE Hub will feature a curated library of instructional guides, articles, and videos (featuring Joel Telling, YouTube’s 3D Printing Nerd) about how to get started printing e-NABLE devices. It will also include 3D printing troubleshooting, and stories from classrooms and volunteer groups around the world participating in the e-NABLE movement.

“We’ve all been inspired by videos of kids using 3D printers to make e-NABLE devices for other kids,” said MatterHackers’ Mara Hitner, “Now imagine a generation where creating for the benefit of others is taught in school! MatterHackers has been providing guidance on how to get started 3D printing in our own community for years. We are thrilled for this opportunity to extend our expertise to e-NABLE volunteers, classrooms, and anyone beginning their 3D printing journey.”

Since the release of the first 3D printed hand design as a public domain file in 2013, the e-NABLE community has grown from two passionate designers and one child in need, to over 8,000 3D printing enthusiasts, educators, kids, and professional prototypers in 45 countries. Over 1,800 custom devices have been delivered for a fraction of the cost of professional prosthetics.

“As we begin to create e-NABLE devices, MatterHackers has proven to be invaluable to my students and me,” says teacher and Edutopia blogger Heather Wolpert-Gawron, “They clearly have a devotion to education, and even after the sale are helping us troubleshoot and brainstorm as we learn by doing. This partnership is great news for teachers.”

About MatterHackers

MatterHackers specializes in providing desktop 3D printing solutions, including software, hardware, materials and accessories. They also develop MatterControl 3D printer control software, and MatterControl Touch, a WiFi-enabled touchscreen controller that allows 3D printers to operate without a laptop or computer.