3D printing combines precision and productivity for your orthopedic insoles

The medical sector is evolving due to digital innovations, and orthopedics is following the trend. This modern trend uses additive manufacturing technologies to supplement traditional expertise.

Confronted with the wide range of problems identified by orthopedic professionals, ScientiFeet by Prodways has offered solutions to meet these needs since 2016 : ScientiFeet by Prodways facilitates the daily life of podiatrists while guaranteeing a comfortable product. 

We are placing our 3D printing expertise at the service of the orthopedic world !

The benefits of 3D printing for orthopedic shoe insoles

3D technology provides clear added value for orthopedic professionals, podiatrists and patients.

Significant gains are identifiable across the entire production chain… :

1. Ease of use 
   Mobile and lightweight, our 3D scanner can be used anywhere (at home, in nursing homes, at sporting venues,…)
2. Optimal customization
   Our 3D shoe insole modeling applications are intuitive, fast and take into account all of the anatomical structures of the foot to perfectly match its shape. They are suited for all type of needs (athletes, seniors, children, etc.)
3. Reduced manufacturing times
   State-of-the-art additive manufacturing devices make it possible to reduce time on the rate of production. Delays are particularly reduced: from scanning the impression to its 3D printing

… As well as on the final product, to offer 3D printed shoe insoles that are :

1. Dynamic : The material used with 3D printing (polyamide 12) ensures flexibility and elasticity
2. Lightweight : The printed base of each insole does not weigh more than 10g
3. Breathable : Thanks to the cells, the OrthoLite sports range guarantees a breathable and perspiration-resistant insole.

The technique

ScientiFeet offers a turnkey 3D printed shoe insole manufacturing solution !

A pioneer in additive manufacturing, Prodways has developed ranges of cutting-edge 3D printers that meet the technical needs of orthopedics.

The ScientiFeet solution in 3 steps :

1 . Taking the impression using the 3D scanner

Our R&D teams have designed a scanner that is mobile and easy to use, making it possible to digitize a patient’s impression anywhere. In just 1 minute, the practitioner is able to upload the impression to the insole modeling interface

2 . Digital modeling of the insole

Accessible from any computer with an Internet connection, the shoe insole modeling application is also intuitive and fast. The 3D modeling of the shoe insoles is carried out in just a few minutes thanks to the digital impression of the patient’s foot. The generated model takes the shape of the foot, with 14 areas of cells that can be adjusted in a few clicks for an extremely precise rendering.

3 . The 3D printing of the shoe insoles

After their modeling, the 3D insoles are manufactured using Prodways’ fleet of 3D printers. We use the powder selective laser sintering technologies (SLS®) with polyamide 12 (PA12), a biocompatible material. The finish of your 3D printed shoe insoles can then include a covering layer – odor resistant, light, breathable, etc. Finally, delivery is guaranteed within 5 working days to the practitioner’s office

With ScientiFeet ?

ScientiFeet brings together podiatrists and 3D printing to offer the best in innovation. 

Prodways thus provides its customers with a turnkey and fully integrated solution to design pairs of shoe insoles: from taking the impression to the delivery of the 3D insoles. 

This outsourcing solution allows you to optimize your working time, while providing a therapeutic response tailored to patients.