Prosthetic Supports For Derby the Dog

Derby was born with a disability but that didn’t mean that he was going to be disabled.

Derby’s life, enhanced by 3D printing

3D scanning software and 3D printing allows Derby to walk and run. With his prosthetics created through personal 3D scan data, Geomagic Freeform sculpting software, and printed on a 3D Systems ProJet MJP 5600, he can function much like any other dog and even leads way ahead of his owner.

Derby enjoys life with and without his prosthetics.

Derby’s disability meant that he has uniquely malformed front legs that could not simply be fit to a standard prosthetic. The peculiar gait caused by his disability also meant a detailed strategy was needed to accommodate him. This meant the development of custom cups shaped to his scan data using Geomagic freeform, plus the testing and addition of the ‘rocker’ design to enable him to run.

The printing of Derby’s prosthetics was done on a ProJet MJP 3D printer by 3D Systems which enabled rapid production of the prosthetics in multi-materials including rubber grips on the rocker base and softer materials for the cups. The prosthetic supports themselves were 3D printed in the harder material to give strength but composited with some rubber to reduce impact while he runs.