Case Study: Derby the Dog achieves restored mobility with 3D Systems 3D printing

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

3D Systems helped restore mobility to Derby, a dog born with uniquely malformed front legs whose peculiar gait made off‑the‑shelf prosthetics unusable. The challenge was to design custom, load‑bearing prosthetics that fit Derby’s irregular anatomy and allowed him to walk and run without compromising strength or comfort.

Using 3D scanning, Geomagic Freeform sculpting software and the ProJet MJP 5600, 3D Systems produced multi‑material, single‑part prosthetics with custom cups, harder internal supports and rubberized rocker bases and grips. The result: rapid, repeatable production of comfortable, durable prosthetics that let Derby walk, run and lead his owner—mobility he likely wouldn’t have had without 3D printing.

Derby