XFeet, a manufacturer of custom foot orthotics, has adopted HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200 technology to produce its insoles and accelerate the growth of the digital transition of the podiatry sector in France.
XFeet insoles are printed using bio-sourced PA11 thermoplastic polymer (Rilsan by Arkema), which has stable mechanical properties and elastic durability. At first glance, PA11 looks like a resin, but this non-brittle material retains much more rebound, therefore XFeet chose to manufacture the insoles directly from this material.
HP Multi Jet Fusion technology ensures high levels of accuracy and repeatability, whilst greatly improving patient comfort. In addition, 3D printing on the HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200 makes it possible to offer competitive prices and reduce the time it takes to manufacture and supply orthopedic insoles, whilst taking an environmentally responsible approach.
Since its creation in 2019, XFeet’s ambition has been to run its entire production chain in-house: from building a 3D impression scanner to the collaborative web platform for tailor-made production, as well as 3D printing and customer service. But it was in 2021 that the XFeet solution reached a decisive turning point in running its production line in-house with the acquisition of a 3D HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200 printer. Through this new technology, XFeet will be able to sustain competitive pricing whilst at the same time remaining agile in the manufacturing and finishing process.
Manufacturing on Demand
In order to offer a fully personalized and complete experience, the XFeet solution comprises four main, mutually dependent stages of the production process: taking 3D digital impressions using the XFOne scanner, making tailor-made insoles online via the collaborative web application, producing the insoles by additive manufacturing, as well as support and training throughout the three previous stages.
XFeet has collaborated with healthcare systems and undergone 7 years of research and development to deliver a new version of its XFOne 3D impression scanner in the first half of 2021. This technology makes it possible to understand the morphology of one’s feet by capturing their movements and elasticity to create a fully personalized orthopedic insole. The development of these professional solutions brings benefits to the end-user by responding more precisely to the patient’s needs.
The key strength of this innovation in healthcare is that it offers an affordable product at the price of traditional technologies. By directly involving hospitals and health centers in the development process, XFeet has delivered a product that is accessible throughout the entire public health system and prescription insoles are reimbursed by the French healthcare system.
In addition, thanks to the online manufacturing platform, the ease in the transmission of digital data is greatly simplified, which allows podiatrists to access patient files anytime and anywhere in the world.
XFeet is one of the NYSLŌ-based projects, a group of services dedicated to additive manufacturing. From the design of the web platform and the 3D configurator to high-definition 3D printing using HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200 technology, NYSLŌ supports companies in bringing their projects to life.
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Author: Andrea Gambini
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