Multi Jet Fusion Technology: 3D Printed Orthoses for Dogs

Krakow/November 17, 2022 — Krakow-based start-up Wimba is set to manufacture individual orthotic and prosthetic medical devices for dogs with HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology. 

Founded in October 2022, Wimba aims to innovate the field of individual orthopaedic supplies by creating 3D products to restore animal mobility. The idea came to brothers Franciszek and Grzegorz Kosch after their previous company, Glaze Prosthetics, became the first in the world to design an upper limb human prosthetic on HP’s Multi Jet fusion technology.  

Glaze Prosthetics was born in 2017 after one of its founders 3D-printed a customised prosthetic arm for a friend. The founders saw a gap in the market for amputees wanting a light and durable prosthetic arm that also allowed them to express themselves by adding a personalised touch.  

Wimba offers a range of orthopedic 3D printed products for animals. Crucial to Wimba’s products is HP’s industrial-grade 3D printing technology and HP enterprise printers which enable Wimba’s prostheses (products) to function and achieve the necessary lightness and durability.  

The main challenges faced by Wimba in its work are the length of production time and accuracy required for the process, from initial measurements to the finalised device. HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology has helped the business shorten its product lead time from six weeks (in the traditional method) to just seven business days. The new WimbaScan app has also shortened the time needed to take measurements from over one hour to just 15 minutes, using only a smartphone. 

Wimba not only provides orthoses, but also prostheses and WimbaTherapy – a comprehensive system of movement disorders treatment in animals, which will supplement the company’s offering in the first quarter of 2023 following completion of clinical trials. 

Co-founder and CEO, Grzegorz Kosch, said: “The main goal of our products is to correct defects caused by degeneration, accidents, or inborn problems of animals in a way that is individually tailored to each animal. Thanks to HP’s Multi Jet technology, our products are created individually, with the patient in mind. What sets us apart is our delivery time, the lightness of the solution and the possible personalisation. Until now none of that was possible. Wimba with HP is changing the vet world.” 

Wimba has invested in the services of Belgian HP print bureau ZiggZagg to fulfil its production, which operates two HP Multi Jet Fusion printers. Manufacturing its products with HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology has also eliminated the waste produced by traditional processes, helping Wimba to embed sustainability throughout its operations.  

Ayelen Fernández, WW Healthcare Segment Manager, HP 3D Printing, commented: “We challenge ourselves to develop devices and solutions that will be used at the cutting-edge of the healthcare industy, while still encouraging sustainable production. To see a company like Wimba rely on our 3D printing technology to push its field forward in such an innovative way is incredibly exciting. We are proud of our partners like ZiggZagg that prove themselves to be essential partners for industry-leading companies and consistently deliver the best that HP 3D printing solutions can provide.” 

Wimba will make its international debut at the London Vet Show on November 17, after which it will go to market in the UK and the rest of Western Europe. The company is planning to expand to the US market by early-2023.