Jan.13, 2014
Over the past 12 months 3D Orthotics (3DO), a company based in Brisbane, Australia, has worked to develop 3D printed orthotics for full commercial use in Podiatry.
"After years of seeing patients enjoy the benefits of orthotics we noticed many common problems. Most of these problems related to the inherent lack of flexibility in the orthotic development process. Often patients feel uncomfortable with their new orthotics. They never really match the foot perfectly. Using plaster casts results in too much guess work and poor fitting of orthotics." notes 3D Orthotics.
Podiatrists and engineers at 3DO have built a unique orthotic development process that utilizes the latest technology to develop orthotic. This new process incorporates the latest in 3D scanning, computer processing and 3D printing.
3DO uses high accuracy digital foot scanning technology and engineering software to scan and create a accurate digital model of your foot. Utilizing the most advanced 3D printing technology each orthotic is individually manufactured to your unique requirements. 3D printing allows for every contour of your foot to be accurately replicated in your orthotic.
"We can scan a patient's foot within 5 seconds. We process the scan, design the orthotic to a prescription in approximately 5 minutes and make it ready for print complete with labels, textured grip, modifications in another 3 minutes. A heavy portion of this workflow is automated within the cloud environment code we have developed." says Wesley McCombe, Founder and Director of 3D Orthotics.
"We will soon have an animation on our website depicting the 3DO process for diagnosing, designing and manufacturing the orthotic using 3D Printing. This will help to educate the market on the medical and commercial applications for 3D printing as well as the basic understanding of the associated technologies. Most people don't quite grasp the concept of 3D printing let alone laser 3D scanning. The animation should bridge this gap." McCombe explains.
3DO's 3D printed podiatric orthotics can be applied for treatable conditions ranging from ultra-accurate diabetic supports, pain-relief from bunions arthritis, plus a raft of other conditions.
"As an example of interesting markets for this product, in Asia alone the rate of diabetes is climbing which leads to circulation and foot related conditions. Podiatry and orthotics are one of the key medical devices to help manage these conditions. Amazingly Podiatry is almost non-existent in Asia." McCombe explains.
Patients now receive a 100% unique orthotic that is perfectly suited to their foot. This has reduced wear in times dramatically and in many cases has removed the need for wear-in periods at all. The process allows for unprecedented levels of customization of the orthotic. Which means that patients can now choose their shoes first and their orthotics second, while still receiving the full range of health and well-being benefits that orthotics provide.
This week, 3DO' Brisbane clinics are officially open and 3DO will begin by launching their range of 3D printed podiatric orthotics. Its Melbourne Clinic and Sydney Clinic will be coming soon. To celebrate this occasion 3DO is throwing a launch party on 30th January, 2014. Join them if you are in the area and want to learn about the process for making the perfect fitting orthotic.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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i totally identify with Mr. Beard. I do not have diabetes, but need a truly custome fit orthotic, due to toe surgery. I live in Long Beach, Ca. are they available in the southern California area?
Mona Panitz wrote at 2/19/2015 5:10:08 AM:
i totally identify with Mr. Beard. I do not have diabetes, but need a truly custome fit orthotic, due to toe surgery. I live in Long Beach, Ca. are they available in the southern California area?
Roger L. Beard wrote at 1/9/2015 5:35:46 PM:
I have diabetes and have had numerous orthotics made "especially" for my feet. I cannot begin to tell you how many times and how many different companies have taken impressions for my "specific" needs. Long story short. None of them have been successful. When will these be available in the United States? At this point in my life I am desperate to be able to wear shoes that I can actually walk in. Roger L. Beard tinfoilwizard@gmail.com
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