09.17.18
HP Inc. announced a strategic alliance with Go 4-D, a 3D printed medical orthotics industry specialist, to modernize the process used to create custom orthotics.
As part of the alliance, Go 4-D will distribute FitStation powered by HP throughout the North American medical market. HP’s FitStation platform combines 3D foot scanning with dynamic gait analysis to enable both orthotic recommendations and 3D printed custom orthotics, prescribed from each person’s unique biomechanics. This will enable Go 4-D to manufacture comfortable, precise and cost-effective custom orthotics using HP Jet Fusion 3D printing systems.
The North American foot orthotic insoles market is expected to grow to more than $1.7 billion by 2022, according to a Statista report.
“Given their extensive experience and knowledge of the custom orthotic industry, Go 4-D and FitStation powered by HP are perfectly positioned to pioneer the digital transformation of custom 3D printed orthotics into the medical market,” said Edward Ponomarev, GM, commercial business development and strategic partnerships, FitStation powered by HP. “FitStation is a truly transformative platform that supports HP’s journey to reinvent how the world designs and manufactures with commercial 3D technologies.”
Despite advances in technology and innovative manufacturing methods, custom orthotic manufacturing has not changed much since the 1950s. The preferred method still in use today by the majority of North American Podiatrists, Pedorthists and Chiropodists is vacuum-forming plastic over a positive of the foot.
The FitStation platform utilizes specialized hardware and software components to capture an individual’s unique 3D foot scan, dynamic gait and pressure data. This data is automatically analyzed to provide manufacturing instructions for 3D printed custom foot orthotics.
“Our goal is to provide healthcare practitioners with the ability to precisely prescribe a true custom 3D printed product for optimal biomechanical function and comfort,” said Paul Linton, CEO, Go 4-D.
“There is a distressing need for custom orthotics that are made right the first time and are not thick or bulky and can fit the patients’ footwear,” said Dr. Lori Yarrow, chief customer officer, Go 4-D. “We are revolutionizing the orthotic business for clinics, and HP’s FitStation platform will allow us to capture precise analytical data and manufacture an orthotic that provides precise correction in a lightweight design that fits in most shoes. This data will be used to create exciting products that will help patients’ feet function properly and alleviate pain or discomfort.”
As part of the alliance, Go 4-D will distribute FitStation powered by HP throughout the North American medical market. HP’s FitStation platform combines 3D foot scanning with dynamic gait analysis to enable both orthotic recommendations and 3D printed custom orthotics, prescribed from each person’s unique biomechanics. This will enable Go 4-D to manufacture comfortable, precise and cost-effective custom orthotics using HP Jet Fusion 3D printing systems.
The North American foot orthotic insoles market is expected to grow to more than $1.7 billion by 2022, according to a Statista report.
“Given their extensive experience and knowledge of the custom orthotic industry, Go 4-D and FitStation powered by HP are perfectly positioned to pioneer the digital transformation of custom 3D printed orthotics into the medical market,” said Edward Ponomarev, GM, commercial business development and strategic partnerships, FitStation powered by HP. “FitStation is a truly transformative platform that supports HP’s journey to reinvent how the world designs and manufactures with commercial 3D technologies.”
Despite advances in technology and innovative manufacturing methods, custom orthotic manufacturing has not changed much since the 1950s. The preferred method still in use today by the majority of North American Podiatrists, Pedorthists and Chiropodists is vacuum-forming plastic over a positive of the foot.
The FitStation platform utilizes specialized hardware and software components to capture an individual’s unique 3D foot scan, dynamic gait and pressure data. This data is automatically analyzed to provide manufacturing instructions for 3D printed custom foot orthotics.
“Our goal is to provide healthcare practitioners with the ability to precisely prescribe a true custom 3D printed product for optimal biomechanical function and comfort,” said Paul Linton, CEO, Go 4-D.
“There is a distressing need for custom orthotics that are made right the first time and are not thick or bulky and can fit the patients’ footwear,” said Dr. Lori Yarrow, chief customer officer, Go 4-D. “We are revolutionizing the orthotic business for clinics, and HP’s FitStation platform will allow us to capture precise analytical data and manufacture an orthotic that provides precise correction in a lightweight design that fits in most shoes. This data will be used to create exciting products that will help patients’ feet function properly and alleviate pain or discomfort.”