3D printing in prosthetics and orthotics

Hi everyone.

I am a board certified orthotist/prosthetist and make artificial limbs and braces for dogs and other pets. I use all sorts of materials such as aluminum stock, copolymer plastics, foams etc to make parts. I have been making some feet out of aluminum stock that is 1/8" thick but I am very curious about the feasibility of 3d printing them if that is possible. We can also laminate carbon fiber into a foot but that is generally prohibitively expensive and not without its problems as well.

Pets we see can be anywhere from 20 lbs to 150. Are there plastics that are strong enough to hold up to daily use if I were to make a printed foot? Something with a slight bit of give to add springiness may be good. I know it may be difficult to answer that without exactly knowing the specifics of the dog but in general, I think if you imagine your dog's daily activities but toned down a bit due to wearing an artificial limb that would give you a good idea of the use.

Thanks, Jeremy