Anyone who has run further than to the local convenience will know that, arguably, the two most important tools for running are a drive to overcome the internal voice telling you that by the time you get to retirement age medical science will have progressed to the point that a lifetime of keep-fit probably won’t have made any difference, and a decent pair of trainers. With the former of these, just in case you didn’t get it, I’m joking. With the latter, it’s common sense. Wouldn’t it be great if trainers weren’t bound to mass-producedconventions?3D printing comes to the rescue once again…
Materialise has announced the launch of a joint venture with RSscan International named “RSPrint Powered by Materialise.” The venture combines Materialise’s notable experience with 3D printing and RSscan’sdynamic measurement footscan solutions. RSPrint will, according to the partnership, create the ‘world’s first dynamic 3D printed insoles which are customised to truly support the every move of an individual.’
RSPrint’s Footscan hardware and software makes dynamic pressure measurements for the design of insoles. The insoles are designed to not only take the shape of the patient’s foot into account, but alsopressure distribution via indepth biomechanical analysis. The outcome is a scientifically-based customised insole. Materialise has continued to expand upon its medical emphasis for additive manufacturing iterations that already includes Biomedical engineering, cranio-maxillo facial and orthopedaedic applications.
CEO of Materialise, Fried Vancraen, said: “Our mission at Materialise has always been to use our 3D Printing software and solutions in the creation of a better and healthier world, and this joint venture with RSscan International does just that. With RSPrint, RSscan’s state-of-the-art measurement solution is being used to create advanced 3D printed insoles that do more than just provide a customized fit to the shape of the foot. Thanks to RSPrint, individuals will be able to walk, run, and pursue an active lifestyle in comfort with 3D printed insoles that respond to their specific needs.”
The company will be based in Paal, Belgium, at RSscan’s recently opened base, where the insoles will be produced and distributed globally.
