Dec 25, 2015 | By Benedict
A pair of Indian 3D printing experts have come to the aid of a lame duck, providing it with a new 3D printed leg. The tiny prosthesis took two hours to print and will be attached by a veterinary doctor in the near future.
M. Veeresh and Y. Sandeep Reddy, both employees of Indian 3D printing firm 3Ding, spend most of their days designing 3D printed components for industrial and technical applications. Although their work can be varied, they were recently asked to produce something quite out of the ordinary. When a disabled duck was found at the Ramakrishna Mission in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, the 3D printing experts were asked to provide a new leg for the helpless creature.
“One of my acquaintances, Rajesh, who knew that we were into 3D printing, asked if we could help out a little duck in Rajahmundry,” Reddy explained. “The duck had lost its leg when it was small and had been walking on one leg. The caretaker at the Ram Krishna Math had no idea how to help the little duck.”
After considering the unusual task, the pair decided to help the not-so-mighty duck, and began sketching some initial designs. The duo settled on a suitable 3D model, and chose to print in ABS for the sake of durability and longevity. “I asked for the dimensions of the duck and then printed it finally on Thursday,” said Reddy.
Although yet to see their prosthesis in action, the pair are satisfied with their work, and are glad to have potentially given a clean bill of health to the one-year-old bird. ”It took us over three hours to print the leg. But, it feels so nice to know that the duck can now walk properly,” Reddy admitted.
Public response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with Reddy and Veeresh more than happy to undertake further animal-assisting 3D printing projects in future. “There have been so many shares and so many likes since we posted it on Thursday,” said Reddy. “Whoever is new to 3D printing is amazed that something like this can actually happen. We want to make more of such artificial body parts for to animals, especially dogs, in the near future to help them lead a better life. This is not about money. We just want to prove that anything can be printed in 3D with very low costs, and it can make a big difference for many.”
The 3D printed leg is currently on its way to Rajahmundry, where it will be attached by a local veterinary doctor. If everything goes swimmingly, the young duck should be back on its feet in no time at all.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
Maybe you also like:
- RMIT University unveils beautifully intricate titanium 3D printed ceremonial mace
- Rick Winscot shares fantastic design for 3D printed sensor-packed RC sand buggy
- 3D printed tribute to SpaceX's successful Falcon 9 rocket landing now available
- Burn victim Safyre receives a 3D printed hand after inspiring the world with Christmas cards
- India's National Aerospace Laboratories 3D prints prototypes of aerospace parts
- Innovative Gaming company brings the virtual world with the physical with Gamaya
- Stunning 3D printed 7 meter tall sculpture provides backdrop for Richard Strauss’ tragedy Elektra
- Fairphone teams with designer Alan Nguyen to offer 3D printed wooden accessories for Fairphone 2
- Pandorum Technologies becomes first in India to develop 3D bioprinted liver tissue
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
