# Ray Fikes | Prosthetics and Hacking 3D Printers

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2023-05-19
- Length: 45m
- Episode: 19
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/ray-fikes-hacking-3d-printers/

## Summary

Ray Fikes, founder of Fikes Brace & Limb, explains how he has used 3D printing, laser scanning, and CNC machining to solve complex prosthetic challenges over 40 years. He details his proprietary 'vase mode' 3D printing techniques using PETG and Combscan iPhone scanning to create diagnostic sockets, while relying on carbon fiber layup for definitive devices. Fikes discusses the critical importance of alignment, volume fluctuation management, and the 'blanching' technique to prevent tissue damage, alongside his development of custom swim fins and rapid wrap systems.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=0) Introduction: Ray Fikes and Fikes Brace & Limb
- [1:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=80) The Evolution of Prosthetics Education and Clinical Prowess
- [5:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=335) Art vs. Science: Alignment, Sockets, and Medicare Pricing
- [11:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=664) Prosthetic Failures, Market Dynamics, and Socket Fit
- [16:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=989) Hacking 3D Printers: Vase Mode, PETG, and Nozzle Design
- [25:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=1507) Diagnostic Sockets, Blanching, and Force Sensors
- [29:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=1782) Custom Swim Fins and Tall 3D Printer Modifications
- [33:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=2004) Rapid Wrap, Definitive Sockets, and Carbon Fiber Layup
- [40:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers#t=2454) Combscan iPhone Scanning and Meshmixer Validation

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Fikes Brace & Limb (company)
- Combscan (product)
- Meshmixer (tool)
- Fusion 360 (tool)
- Simplify3D (tool)
- PETG (material)
- FSR (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Why AM and Orthotics & Prosthetics are the Perfect Fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit) (Additive Snack)
- [Ep 338: Smoothing 3D Prints, Reading CNC Joints, and Detecting Spicy Shrimp](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-09-19-ep-338-smoothing-3d-prints-reading-cnc-joints-and-detecting-spicy-shrimp) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 305: Caustic Clocks, Practice Bones, and Brick Layers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-01-24-ep-305-caustic-clocks-practice-bones-and-brick-layers) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep086: News Overflow, Formula 1/3 Racer, Stand Up Rubber Duckies, and Useless Machine Takes a Turn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-09-25-ep086-news-overflow-formula-1-3-racer-stand-up-rubber-duckies-and-useless-machin) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep038: Cyberdecks, Resin 3D-Printing vs FDM, Silicone Injection Molding, the Pickle Fork Fiasco](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-10-04-ep038-cyberdecks-resin-3d-printing-vs-fdm-silicone-injection-molding-the-pickle) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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