3D printing is an exciting field that is finding its application in many different domains, for example, it can be used to construct a house in 24 hours. More surprisingly, it has also been used in the service of animals as we explained in one our previous articles: A Sea Hawk Is Able To Use His Beak Again Because Of 3D Printer. Here, we describe the touching story how a duck born with only one functional leg, was able to walk using a second 3D printed prosthetic leg.
Buttercup is a duck born with a malformation: her left leg was indeed turned. Therefore, it was impossible for the duck to walk. To save her and give her a normal life, the association Feathered Angels Waterfowl Sanctuary based in Tennessee and specializing in the protection of ducks, had this unique idea to offer Buttercup a new printed 3D leg!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLs-kwTc2sM[/youtube]
This leg has been developed by NovaCopy, a company specializing in 3D printing. To design the prosthesis, they modeled the left leg of Buttercup in software and then simply printed it in silicone. The result is surprising the prosthesis simply slips on like a sock and adapts perfectly to the body shape of duck.
We are delighted that Buttercup could return to a normal life with 3D printing. It’s really great to see that the technology has also been put to the service of the well-being of animals. We hope that little duck now lives a happy and fulfilled life, Did you ever imagine that 3D printing can be used in animal cause?