3D Printed Prosthetic Fingers Go Mainstream: Hanger Clinic Acquires Point Designs

Nine years of research at the University of Colorado Boulder has finally paid off in a big way. Point Designs, the Boulder-based startup that specializes in 3D printed titanium prosthetic fingers, has been acquired by Hanger Clinic, a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic patient care services.

From University Lab to Industry Leader

The company was founded in 2016 by CU Boulder researchers — including Research Professor Jacob Segil, Associate Professor Richard Weir from CU Anschutz, and mechanical engineering alumni Levin Sliker and Stephen Huddle. Their mission: create high-strength prosthetic fingers for people with partial hand amputations.

What sets Point Designs apart is their use of additive manufacturing. Their prosthetic fingers are 3D printed from titanium, giving them the strength needed for heavy-duty manual labor while remaining lightweight enough for delicate tasks.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to join the Hanger family and to expand our ability to positively impact the lives of those with upper limb loss or limb difference," said CEO Levin Sliker. "Hanger's commitment to scientific research and innovation for the betterment of the global O&P community aligns perfectly with our values as a company."

Why This Matters

This acquisition represents a significant milestone for 3D printing in medical devices. For years, the promise of customized 3D printed prosthetics has been discussed — but Point Designs actually delivered a commercial product that works.

The ratcheting, positionable design allows users to perform both heavy-duty manual labor and delicate tasks requiring high dexterity. That's a combination that's been difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

Hanger Clinic operates hundreds of clinics across the United States, giving Point Designs' technology access to a massive patient network. The acquisition will help expand access to these advanced prosthetic fingers to more patients nationwide.

The Bigger Picture

This story exemplifies the journey from academic research to real-world impact. The CU Boulder team brought decades of experience in neural interfaces, myoelectric control algorithms, and upper limb prosthetic design — and turned it into a company that's now part of one of the largest O&P networks in the country.

As 3D printing technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more such acquisitions. The ability to create customized, lightweight, and strong prosthetic devices at scale is exactly what additive manufacturing does well.

For the 1.6 million Americans living with upper limb amputation, this acquisition means better access to technology that can genuinely improve their quality of life.