A safer footing

HFA-BCMF began producing 3D-printed crutch tips in 2025 in response to a request from Mao Tao Clinic’s physiotherapy department for replacement tips for their patients’ crutches. The physiotherapy department was noticing a recurring issue, where crutches users would frequently return to the clinic asking for replacements because the standard rubber tips wore down quickly, creating a slip hazard and making the crutches unstable. But replacement standard tips are not affordable for the clinic or their patients. As the department’s supply of conventional tips rapidly depleted, staff from the physiotherapy department asked if HFA-BCMF’s 3D team could print a more sustainable, cost-efficient version.