A 3D printer to help earthquake victims in Venezuela.

This helps strengthen our 3D printing capacity to produce splints, rods, and other parts for earthquake victims in Venezuela. We've already delivered the first ones—we want to produce many more. Materials and shipping are on me.

I joined a group of makers who decided to put 3D printing to work for those who need it most. We are producing parts that are being sent to Venezuela in response to the needs created by the recent earthquakes.

And this is no longer a plan — it's a reality. The first pieces I produced have already been delivered to be shipped to Venezuela, and I am currently producing more for the next shipment.

Today we no longer just print splints. Our production includes splints, rods, toys, adapted cutlery and other accessories — everything that might be needed by those who are recovering and rebuilding their daily lives. Medical items, such as splints and rods, are made of PLA, a material that molds with boiling water, allowing them to be adjusted to the physical characteristics of each person at the moment of use.

Because I need your help.

Demand far exceeds my capacity. With more equipment dedicated to this cause, I can produce many more pieces—and a wider variety—to help many more people.

The initial idea was simple: raise enough money for a 3D printer (around €300). However, this platform doesn't allow campaigns with such low amounts, requiring a minimum of €500. Instead of seeing this as an obstacle, I turned it into an opportunity: with this amount, I can further increase production capacity—either with more than one machine or with a more robust printer. I will use the funds in a way that yields the most parts for those who need them, choosing the best equipment available at the time of purchase.

This amount is intended exclusively for equipment.

I want to be completely transparent about where your donation goes. The goal is solely for 3D printing equipment, to increase production capacity.

The filament (material) and shipping costs for the parts are, and will continue to be, entirely covered by me. Not a single cent of this campaign goes towards personal expenses or materials — it's all for the machines that will produce more parts for those who need them.

How it works

The campaign is "all or nothing": I only receive the money if the goal is reached within the deadline. If we don't reach it, your donation will be fully refunded.

I, Daniel Paiva, am the one who receives and manages the funds, in a personal capacity. I commit to sharing the purchase of the equipment, showing it being used to produce the pieces, and publishing photos of what is produced and its shipment.

Time is intentionally short: the needs are urgent, and the sooner the printers are up and running, the more people we can help. Every amount counts — and sharing this campaign helps as much as contributing.

About the author

My name is Daniel Paiva and I am a 3D printing enthusiast who believes that this technology can change lives. And I say this from personal experience.

I am one of the administrators of 3D com Propósito (3dcomproposito.pt), a Portuguese solidarity initiative that coordinates a network of makers with 3D printers to produce wheelchairs for children with reduced mobility, at no cost to their families. Through this project, we have already delivered 3 wheelchairs to children who needed them — and each one is proof that the maker community can transform technology into mobility and hope.3dcomproposito

It is with this same spirit that I joined the initiative to support the victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela. I immediately started printing and delivering parts, and I quickly realized one thing: the desire to help is greater than my capacity with my current equipment.

That's why I'm here, asking for your help. It's not for me—it's to be able to produce more and reach more people. I personally handle the materials and shipping; what I'm asking for is solely to increase production capacity.

Those who have been following me know that I keep my promises. I commit to being completely transparent every step of the way: you'll see where your donation went and what it helped produce.

Budget and due dates

Budget

The goal of this campaign is €500, entirely dedicated to 3D printing equipment.

The initial idea was for a single printer (~€300), but the platform's minimum fundraising amount is €500. Therefore, I'm using the entire amount to further increase production capacity—either with more than one machine or a more robust printer.

The net amount I receive (€453.88) will go entirely towards this equipment. I will choose the option that yields the most parts for each euro donated at the time of purchase.

The filament and shipping costs for the finished pieces are entirely covered by me and are not part of this goal.

Scheduling

The campaign runs for 15 days. The timeframe is intentionally short — the needs are urgent, and the sooner the printer is up and running, the sooner we can produce and help.

Once the goal is reached and the funds are made available, I commit to:

• Purchase the printer immediately upon receiving the funds;
• Put it to work producing parts for the cause as soon as it's operational;
• Share an update with the completed purchase and the first parts to come out of the new machine;
• Keep supporters informed with photos of the pieces produced and their shipment.

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