Tech Meets Heart: 3D printing helps Doberman walk again in paws-itively inspiring project
According to Lydia Mindek, Director of Operations at 3DPets: "Printing the jacket for our full-limb prosthetics or carts in one piece is extremely important because we want to avoid any potential areas of weakness or fracture."
As both a tech reviewer and a lifelong animal lover, few stories have hit me quite like this one. On World Pet Day, a remarkable fusion of technology and compassion gave a 100-pound Doberman named Rey a second chance at a full, active life, thanks to a custom 3D-printed prosthetic made with Elegoo’s massive OrangeStorm Giga printer.
Rey, a four-year-old rescue dog from New Jersey, lost his front left leg to osteosarcoma, a particularly aggressive form of bone cancer. Adapting to life on three legs is a difficult journey for many pets, and for a dog of Rey’s size, carrying 60% of his weight on his front limbs, it’s even harder. But with the help of 3DPets, a company specialising in animal mobility aids, and the power of cutting-edge 3D printing, Rey can now walk, run, and even play again.
Unlike typical prosthetics, Rey’s required an especially large and durable design — something only a high-capacity 3D printer like the Elegoo OrangeStorm Giga could manage. With a build volume of 800 × 800 × 1000 mm and rapid print speeds up to 300 mm/s, it produced Rey’s full-body TPU harness in one seamless piece, eliminating weak points that could cause discomfort or failure.
As someone who’s reviewed 3D printers and knows the challenges of large-format printing, I’m seriously impressed. But this isn’t just about specs — it’s about purpose. Watching technology directly improve an animal’s quality of life is heartwarming.
The process began with a full 3D scan of Rey to ensure the perfect fit. The resulting harness featured custom lattice structures to provide both flexibility and strength, which are crucial for natural movement. Once fitted with a footpad and finished, Rey took to it immediately, even picking up toys at his fitting session.
Elegoo covered the full $1,750 (approx. €1,620) cost of Rey’s prosthetic and isn’t stopping there. The brand plans to continue supporting animal mobility projects, including ones for sea turtles. As someone passionate about tech and animal welfare, I feel that this is the future we should all be excited about: where innovation meets empathy and no creature gets left behind.
