On this edition of 30 on 3D, 3D Printing Account Specialist, Madeline Moore, goes through the different processes of manufacturing orthotics and how 3D printing custom foot orthotics using the H350 can help save time and money.
There are 3 main methods of manufacturing custom foot orthotics:
- Manual Method – Thermoforming
1. Casting the foot
2. Setting the plaster
3. Polishing the plaster
4. Thermoforming
5. Burr cutting
6. Finishing - Semidigital Method – CNC Milling
1. CAD scanning the foot
2. Foam machining
3. Burr cutting
4. Finishing - Digital Method – 3D Printing (SAF)
1. CAD scanning the foot
2. 3D printing
3. Finishing
As you can see, 3D printing requires the least amount of labor, enabling higher productivity and higher design freedom for better patient treatment. From start to finish, the 3D printing process takes about 3 days, compared to the manual process which takes around 3 weeks to get the finished orthotic to the patient. With the H350 printer, 28 pairs of orthotics can be printed in one build, each part being a different part of the patient’s insole, if wanted. Even though 3D printing is “new” within the orthotics industry, its capabilities are proven and adopted by manufacturers globally.
If you would like to learn more or if you have any questions, call us at 949.474.9222 or email us at ask@purpleplatypus.com.
Meet Madeline Moore
Meet 3D Printing Account Specialist, Madeline Moore. Madeline works closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to continue customer experience and manage accounts. Her favorite part about working at Purple is her wonderful coworkers and seeing how additive manufacturing is implemented across a multitude of industries.
Outside of the office, Madeline likes to meditate and do hot yoga. She also loves to listen to psychology podcasts. If you haven’t met Madeline yet, be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn.
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