Guillermo Gauna-Vivas combines his engineering background with his passion for animals to create custom prosthetics using 3D printing. His initiative, born from free time, seeks to restore mobility to dogs and cats that have lost a leg. Each device is custom-designed, adapting to the animal's dimensions and needs. The project demonstrates that technology can be applied for a social and charitable purpose.
Custom design with 3D scanning and modeling 🐾
Gauna-Vivas uses modeling software to recreate the exact geometry of each animal's stump. He first performs a three-dimensional scan of the affected area, then designs the prosthetic in a CAD program, and finally prints it in PLA or TPU filament, strong and lightweight materials. The process allows adjusting the shape, weight, and joint so the animal can walk without discomfort. Each piece is tested and modified until a precise fit is achieved.
When your dog asks for a paw and it's not for a high five 😂
Now lame dogs can show off a paw more modern than many humans'. While some spend fortunes on branded sneakers, these canines debut 3D-printed prosthetics that look like they came out of a science fiction movie. Next thing you know, they'll ask to customize them with LED lights or neon colors. At the rate we're going, even cats will stop landing on their feet to land in style.