3D Printed Magic Arms for Emma
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3D Printed Magic Arms for Emma

Symmetry Solutions Partners With Magic Arms

Minneapolis, Minn. – March 26, 2015 -- Symmetry Solutions, Inc., the official supplier of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD Design Software for the Upper Midwest, announced today that they are now a formal partner and proud sponsorof Magic Arms.

We’re constantly hearing about new ways 3D printing can make our lives better.  One of the more compelling stories we would like to share involves a young girl named Emma, who was born with a rare medical condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). This debilitating conditioncauses severe joint contractures and muscle weakness, thereby restricting normal movement. Due to theAMC, Emma was unable to move her arms, which meant she couldn’t perform everyday activities like playing, drawing or even giving her mom a hug.

With the help of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD and a 3D printer, Emma was finally able to use her arms with a Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX) device. The WREX enhances movement by utilizing elastic bands that balance and assist movement against the effects of gravity.

Because the deviceis typically made from metal, it was originally too heavy for young children like Emma to wear. Using SOLIDWORKS, a lightweight version of the device was designed and then 3D printed, providing custom, plastic parts to meet the changing needs of Emma’s growing frame.

Emma named her 3D printed plastic device “Magic Arms.” Inspired by her story, a nonprofit organization called Magic Arms was founded in 2012 by Eric Jenson and Tom Kramer. Magic Arms is dedicated to providing a 3D printed WREX device to every child who is in need of one. Thousands of children are born with Emma’s condition every year – kids that will lead a better life if they have access to a lightweight WREX. Magic Arms is here to address that need.

Since first meeting Emma in 2012, Magic Arms has been transforming the lives of many families. The next step is to take this gravity-balancing device to the next level by making it accessible, affordable, and sustainable for every child who needs it.By developing a distribution system and improving the device, Magic Arms can achieve their goal, but more funding is needed to mass produce the devices quickly and efficiently. 

From the moment the team at Symmetry Solutions heard about Emma and Magic Arms, we knew this was an organization that we wanted to help. We reached out to Magic Arms and provided them with a seat of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD to aid in their mission.

Symmetry Solutions’ commitment to helping children in need has led us to formally partner with Magic Arms. To donate or learn more about this inspirational organization, please visit www.magicarms.org.

About Symmetry Solutions, Inc.

Symmetry Solutions, Inc. is your official SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software and training provider for the Upper Midwest. We serve Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota with premier SOLIDWORKS training, support and implementation services for the complete suite of SOLIDWORKS 3D design solutions. Additionally, Symmetry Solutions is now the official supplier of the Mark One Carbon Fiber 3D Printer from MarkForged. Symmetry Solutions is headquartered in Brooklyn Park, Minn. For more information, please visit www.symsolutions.com or call 1-800-975-0740.