Our lives are increasingly becoming connected and customized, especially in healthcare, where personalized solutions are essential for improving patient care. To meet this demand, Edser, a Spanish company known for manufacturing orthotics and insoles, has turned to 3D printing technology. This shift has enabled them to enhance flexibility, adaptability, and quality in their production processes.<\/p>\n
With nearly three decades of experience in clinical orthotics and custom footwear, Edser serves a diverse clientele, providing products such as orthotics for conditions like scoliosis and cerebral palsy, alongside general insoles for various footwear types. In response to the growing need for rapid, tailored solutions, Edser partnered with TPM3D, a company that supports their transition to a digital production workflow.<\/p>\n
Through this collaboration with TPM3D, Edser has embraced SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printing, allowing for high-volume and high-precision manufacturing. This advancement significantly accelerates production time while also cutting costs.<\/p>\n
Edser’s production process for customized insoles begins with a foot scan using their proprietary WIKYSCAN app, which employs LiDAR technology compatible with common devices like iPhones and iPads. A podiatrist helps refine the scans to tailor the design to individual medical needs before the actual 3D printing takes place.<\/p>\n
They utilize the TPM3D S600DL system, an advanced SLS printer featuring dual 140 W lasers with a sizeable build platform. This printer adheres to EU safety standards and enhances print quality via its unique coordination algorithm. Edser highlights this system’s capability for manufacturing large parts with intricate designs, essential for customized orthotics.<\/p>\n
For the printing material, Edser uses TPM3D\u2019s PP Pro, known for its strength and lightweight properties. The material is also environmentally beneficial, as it requires minimal new powder for each batch due to efficient nesting and planning strategies, resulting in nearly 100% utilization of raw materials. Edser’s testing indicated that the mechanical properties of PP Pro closely match those of traditional materials used in their orthotics, ensuring consistent quality.<\/p>\n
Post-printing, Edser benefits from a specialized powder post-processing station, which simplifies and cleans the production workflow, facilitating the transition from raw printed components to patient-ready products.<\/p>\n
The application of SLS printing has revolutionized Edser’s ability to quickly deliver customized medical products. The system’s high efficiency has enabled Edser to produce orthotics more rapidly, allowing for multiple items per printing cycle. The ability to create complex geometries without support structures has considerably enhanced the performance of the final products, ensuring they fit comfortably and effectively.<\/p>\n
Edser has not only achieved a reduction in production costs with this technology but is also geared towards meeting future demands; CEO Sergio Sanchez-Osorio stated that they anticipate 90% of their products will be manufactured using additive manufacturing technologies moving forward.<\/p>\n
TPM3D continues to innovate in the field of 3D printing, actively participating in events like Formnext Shenzhen to showcase their advancements. They are committed to evolving their offerings across various sectors, including medical applications.<\/p>\n