VALENCIA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Millions of people worldwide are impacted by debilitating foot pain, making it difficult to accomplish such daily activities as climbing stairs or taking a walk. Enter 3D printing. Stratasys Direct Manufacturing is now collaborating with Peacocks Medical Group, a leading medical equipment supplier and creator of Podfo orthotics, to maximize 3D printing for large-scale production of custom orthotics. As one of the world’s largest 3D printing and advanced manufacturing service providers, Stratasys Direct is giving millions of new patients access to life-changing orthotics – offering much needed pain relief and improvements in mobility.
“Solving tough design challenges and stimulating innovation are hallmarks of our customers’ success”
Foot orthotics is a large and growing market – with analysts estimating the insole segment reaching $3.5 billion by 2020. Conventional manufacturing processes require long lead times and are unable to cost-effectively produce advanced design elements – further creating barriers-to-adoption. Aided by an additive manufacturing technique known as Laser Sintering, the Podfo line fills this void with a comfortable, tough, lightweight and thin orthoses customized to each patient’s prescription and footwear. Advanced 3D printing technology enables creation of complex geometries and includes varying features within a single device – eliminating top-covers, glued-on pads or foams typically accompanying conventional methods.