UNYQ and 3D Systems Join Forces to Develop 3D Printed Orthotics & Prostheses

UNYQ fairings and accessories are “3D printed embellishments that wrap around your prosthetic leg,” and they’re built in boutique studios in Seville, Spain and San Francisco.

The company offers 30 limited edition collections of fairings – all 3D printed – and they say those devices are meant to be a starting point for designers and artisans to work with customers to create one-of-a-kind pieces built to their specifications and personal style.

Now UNYQ says they’ve signed on for multilayer partnership with digital design and fabrication experts 3D Systems which will involve an investment into 3D printing technologies for the prosthetics and orthotics industries.

“As an amputee and engineer myself, I can say this market is ripe for disruption,” says Manuel Boza, the Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of UNYQ of the deal. “Teaming up with 3D Systems fast tracks our vision to bring choice, style and personalization to the hundreds of millions of people who rely on these devices for a better quality of life.”

Boza says he became captivated with 3D printing and the advantages that this technology offered to amputees as part of his work with Ossur, a provider of a wide-ranging set of products and expertise in the development, production, and sale of non-invasive orthopedics.

Both companies say this collaboration will combine UNYQ’s knowledge in production and nimble marketing with 3D Systems’ portfolio of prosthetic and orthotic devices and advanced manufacturing expertise.

Back in 2012, 3D Systems acquired Bespoke Innovations with an eye toward developing personalized fairings, braces, and casts, and now they say that the partnership with UNYQ will commercialize these products .

The agreement means UNYQ become a preferred partner.

“We are thrilled to join forces with UNYQ,” says Avi Reichental, the President and CEO of 3D Systems. “Together, our two companies are making these life-changing medical solutions more advanced, more impactful and more accessible for everyone with prosthetic and orthotics needs. We are excited to work with a company that has built such a strong community of patients and providers across the globe.”

Part of the deal will focus on new product development such as 3D Systems’ personalized scoliosis braces. UNYQ says they’ll integrate 3D Systems’ line of prosthetic fairings into their offerings over the next few months, and an orthotic product line is scheduled to follow later this year.

“3D Systems and UNYQ are perfect partners for scaling commercial applications of 3D printed prosthetic and orthotics solutions,” says Eythor Bender, the CEO and co-founder of UNYQ. “With their cutting edge technology and groundbreaking work in this field and our market traction, we are well equipped to bring our production closer to our customers around the world.”

UNYQ also operates Hubs, a network of more than 80 prosthetic facilities around the world.

What do you think of this collaborative effort between UNYQ and 3D Systems? Let us know in the UNYQ & 3D Systems forum thread on 3DPB.com.