3D printing is increasingly being used in the medical industry for numerous applications. Among the main reasons are undoubtedly the flexibility, speed and customization possibilities offered by the technology. Prosthetics, orthotics, custom-made medicines-and much more. However, we are not just talking about medicine and medical devices for humans! Many companies in recent years are specializing in pet care and 3D printing of orthopedic prosthetics and orthotics for animals. These, in fact, produced on the animal’s anatomy and with lightweight and durable materials, provide comfortable and smoother rehabilitation for the animal. Among the emerging startups in the field is WIMBA, based in Poland. We interviewed the co-founders to learn more!
3DN: Can you introduce yourself and your connection to 3D printing?
We are Greg and Franek Kosch, co-founders of WIMBA. We are both deeply involved in the world of 3D printing, with a particular focus on its applications in veterinary medicine. Our expertise in human prosthetics has driven our passion for leveraging 3D printing to enhance the lives of pets. We recognized the immense potential of this technology to revolutionize orthopedic care for dogs and cats, with the goal to establish WIMBA as a pioneer for innovative solutions in this field.
Greg and Franek Kosch, co-founders of WIMBA
3DN: How did WIMBA come into being, and what is its objective?
WIMBA was born out of our shared vision to address a critical need in the veterinary industry: providing advanced orthopedic solutions for pets using cutting-edge technology to restore pets’ mobility. We recognized the limitations of traditional methods in orthopedic care for animals and saw an opportunity to innovate. Our objective with WIMBA is to revolutionize the way orthopedic issues are addressed in pets by offering personalized, 3D-printed prostheses, orthoses, and rehabilitation solutions. We aim to improve the quality of life for animals worldwide while providing veterinarians and pet owners with advanced tools and techniques for pet care.
3DN: What is the process to create WIMBA’s orthoses?
The process of creating WIMBA’s 3D orthoses begins with our own shape acquisition method WimbaSCAN technology, which captures precise 3D scans of the animal’s affected limb or area. These scans are then processed by our engineers using advanced software algorithms to generate a digital model of the paw to create a perfectly tailored orthosis or prosthesis to the pet’s anatomy.
Next, we utilize 3D printing technology to manufacture our orthotic devices layer by layer, ensuring precise customization and optimal fit for each individual animal. Throughout the process, we leverage artificial intelligence to fine-tune the design and functionality of the orthoses, ensuring maximum comfort and mobility for the animal.
To further enhance the user experience, we’ve introduced the WimbaAPP—a comprehensive solution for ordering, collaborating, and managing orthotic devices within our WIMBA ecosystem.
3DN: Why did WIMBA decide to use 3D printing? And what distinguishes your devices from those already on the market?
We chose to utilize 3D printing due to its unparalleled versatility, precision, and customization capabilities. Three-dimensional parts of our orthotic devices are becoming 4D-printed, by adding a fourth dimension – movement. Traditional manufacturing methods often lack the flexibility needed to create highly personalized orthopedic solutions for pets. With 3D printing, we can rapidly prototype and produce intricate designs tailored to each animal’s unique anatomy, thus creating lightweight, durable and customized orthoses and prostheses.
Additionally, this way of printing allows for cost-effective production, which aligns with our mission to make advanced veterinary care accessible to all pet owners.
Tokens are used to monitor the animal’s healing process
WIMBA also offers WimbaTHERAPY, allowing for adjustable orthosis mobility through interchangeable tokens, catering to each patient’s rehabilitation needs. WIMBA braces are lightweight, durable, and waterproof. And with our innovative 3D-printing technology and patented lattice structures, we ensure a perfect fit and ample airflow, ensuring the animals’ comfort and mobility during their rehabilitation journey.
3DN: With what 3D printing technology and materials are WIMBA products created?
We utilize HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology to create our products. Our devices feature an ultralight nylon PA11- an innovative engineering thermoplastic, offering superior performance: more flexible, impact resistant and eco-friendly. This printed material ensures comfort and a tailored fit of WIMBA orthoses for each animal.
This cutting-edge technology allows us to achieve high levels of precision and detail in our orthoses and prostheses. Additionally, we exclusively use advanced materials, primarily TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), for crafting our products. It offers several advantages, including its lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. By leveraging HP MJF technology and TPU materials, we ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and comfort for our furry companions.
Wimba devices are 3D printed using MJF technology with patented lattice structures
3DN: What are WIMBA’s current and future projects?
In the coming months, we will focus on expanding our presence in key markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. We have just launched a new product, a knee orthosis. Since Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CrCL) rupture is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in veterinary medicine, we developed WIMBA Stifle Brace. It is a product specifically designed to stabilize the knee joint in dogs with ruptured or partially ruptured CrCL.
We are also planning to open our manufacturing facility in Poland and start production in the United States and the United Kingdom, which will give us full control over quality and reduce production time. Our ultimate aim is for WIMBA to emerge as a global leader in pet orthotics and prosthetics.
3DN: Any final words for our readers?
In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to all readers for their interest in WIMBA and our orthopedic pet care solutions. If your pets need orthotic support or innovative and comfortable rehabilitation solutions, we are here. We look forward to continuing to help you and your pets! You can find more information about WIMBA HERE.
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