Wimba 3D prints orthotic and prosthetic medical devices for dogs

Krakow-based start-up, Wimba, is on track to revolutionize dog care, through the use of an HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 5210 to manufacture individual orthotic and prosthetic medical devices for dogs.

Founded in October 2022, Wimba aims to innovate in the field of individual orthopedic 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 customized 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 with the addition of a personalized touch.

Crucial to Wimba’s range of orthopedic 3D printed products for animals is HP’s industrial-grade 3D printing technology which enables Wimba’s prostheses to function and achieve the necessary lightness and durability.

The main challenges faced by Wimba are the length of production time and accuracy required for the process – from initial measurements to the finalized device. HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology has helped the business shorten its product lead time from six weeks (using 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 also provides WimbaTherapy – a comprehensive system of movement disorders treatment in animals, which will supplement the company’s offering in the first quarter of 2023 following the completion of clinical trials.

“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 personalization. Until now none of that was possible. Wimba, with HP, is changing the vet world,” said Grzegorz Kosch, Co-founder, and CEO of Wimba.

Wimba utilizes the services of Belgian HP print bureau, ZiggZagg, which operates two HP Multi Jet Fusion printers, to fulfill its production.

“We challenge ourselves to develop devices and solutions that will be used at the cutting edge of the healthcare industry, 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,” said Ayelen Fernández, WW Healthcare Segment Manager at HP 3D Printing.

Wimba is now operating within the UK and the rest of the Western European market and plans to expand to the US market by early 2023.