General Topic: Currently, orthotic insoles and shoe inserts are not affordable or sustainable. If people want a custom orthotic insole that will also last them for years, they have to go to an orthotic specialist. This can cost hundreds of dollars, and is simply not affordable to a lot of people who need it. In addition, if someone goes for a cheaper not custom orthotic, they are thrown out and need to be repurchased every 6 months. Not only is this still expensive, but it creates a lot of waste.
Specific Question or Relationship: Using 3d scanning, modeling, and printing, we can create a cheaper, longer lasting orthotic insole that creates less waste and is more easily accessible.
Method: After taking 3d scans of feet, we use CAD modeling to edit them to the shape of the orthotic. We have tried multiple methods of creating the orthotics, including printing them directly using a 3d printer, as well as printing a form of the orthotic and vacuum forming plastics over it..
Results: After printing some orthotic designs, it was clear that they needed revisions. We are still early on in our project, so we are not sure how using the vacuum former will work yet.
