From its basement origins to a billboard in Times Square, 3DPets is a testament to what can happen when passion meets manufacturing technology. Founded by industrial designers Alex Tholl and Adam Hecht, 3DPets creates custom prosthetics and mobility devices for pets by leveraging additive manufacturing (AM).
The third episode of the new IMTS+ Original Series “Passion Project” features the story of 3DPets. “Passion Project” explores the connections between manufacturing technology and the personal passions of the creators and doers who make up our industry.
For Tholl and Hecht, their passion led them to launch DIVE, a design firm using AM to solve real-world problems, and addressing what they saw as an unmet need in the veterinary world: animal prosthetics. Through 3DPets, they built a global network of clinics where customers submit scans of their pets, often using an iPhone’s LIDAR camera. These scans are converted into 3D models and then 3D printed into custom devices.
Using AM, 3DPets reduced labor time from dozens of hours to just two or three, cut lead times in half, and helped more than just dogs; their patients now include pigs, goats, alpacas, and even elephants.
Their innovative approach caught the attention of Apple, which featured 3DPets in a national campaign. The experience culminated in a powerful moment when Tholl and Hecht saw their work displayed on three billboards in Times Square.
“I felt my knees go,” Tholl said. “We started in a basement, and suddenly, here we were.”
Beyond pet prosthetics, DIVE continues to explore AM’s potential. They’ve developed Willo, a modular 3D printed tree system designed to beautify public spaces and reduce noise. They also designed traction-enhancing paws for Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, Spot, to improve performance on rough terrain.
From mobility aids to modular art to robotics, DIVE is redefining what is possible with AM – and always with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and impact.
“There’s so much untapped potential in additive manufacturing,” said Hecht. “That drives our curiosity and keeps our passion alive.”
Explore IMTS+ ‘Passion Project’
“Must Love Dogs (and 3D Printing)” is coming soon to IMTS+. Explore the IMTS+ Original Series “Passion Project” to experience how manufacturing technology intersects with passion and purpose at IMTS.com/PassionProject. Other episodes feature 3D printed furniture from Haddy, as well as guitar craftsmanship at C.F. Martin & Co.
To read the rest of the International Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
