Outsourcing production for digital footwear technology

Want to work digitally but don’t want the hassle of managing printers and a production department yourself? At Shapemakers, you can outsource the production of your digital footwear products. We print these products: you design the last, fit, corrections and other product features; we carry out a technical check on the file and handle the production. 

This way, you can focus on the work you’re good at and leave the printing to us. Whether it’s a one-off or an ongoing requirement, we’d be happy to discuss which production solution best suits your workshop. 

3D scanning model for custom orthopaedics

What types of footwear products can you have manufactured? 

We 3D-print a wide range of products for orthopaedic footwear technology: 

  • digital lasts 
  • fitting sheets 
  • orthopaedic aids 
  • separate corrective components 
  • prototypes or trial models 
  • other bespoke products for orthopaedic footwear 

Last moulds form the digital basis of the shoe; fitting foils allow you to check the fit before proceeding, and supplements and corrective components can be incorporated into the final product. Orders can be placed for individual items, pairs or in larger quantities. Some products are ready for immediate use, whilst others require further finishing by you in the workshop. 

Milling table Image

Outsourcing 3D printing for footwear technology 

We print your digital footwear design layer by layer to create a physical product. For lasts, we use, amongst other materials, a wood fibre filament with a PU foam filling to provide the necessary strength, which can then be finished by sanding, gluing or stapling. We print fitting foils in a transparent PETG material, so you can quickly switch between making adjustments and refitting. 

We process files from various CAD programmes; please let us know if you’re unsure whether your file format is compatible. After printing, we check the dimensions and finish, and deliver the product ready for use or for further processing at your premises. We never make any substantive changes to a design without first consulting you. Any questions about lead times or urgent orders? We’ll discuss this when you submit your enquiry. 

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Why outsource the production of footwear products? 

No need to invest in your own professional equipment. No time wasted on maintenance, calibration or breakdowns. No stock of different materials to manage, and no staff member required to monitor the process on a daily basis. 

You can easily scale up production when needed. Digital models can be reproduced in no time, and there is less need for physical storage of lasts and models. This leaves you with more time for design, fitting and supporting your patients. Not quite ready to invest in machinery yourself? Gain experience with digital workflows first by outsourcing, either on a regular basis or temporarily during busy periods. 

From digital design to a footwear product 

  1. The foot is digitally captured. 
  2. You create the design using your own software. 
  3. You submit the file via the order portal. 
  4. We check the file for printability. 
  5. The product is 3D-printed. 
  6. Dimensions and finish are checked. 
  7. The product is delivered ready for use or further processing. 

When placing your order, you’ll need to provide the details required for production, such as your preferred material. As soon as your order is received, you’ll see it immediately in the order portal. If you have any questions about your file, we’ll get back to you quickly. Repeat orders are placed based on the same design; we store modified versions so that they’re clearly identifiable, ensuring there’s no confusion about which version is going into production. 

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Shapemakers’ services 

We’ll help you get started with your first orders. We’ll provide technical input on files, materials and manufacturability, and work with you to ensure that the scanner, software and production process are all properly aligned. You can always contact us with any questions whilst placing your order. 

Via the order portal, you can keep track of your orders and their status yourself. If a file isn’t immediately printable, we’ll get in touch to sort it out together. Are you considering doing your own printing in the future? We’ll help you think through that too. 

Why choose Shapemakers? 

We have experience in the digitalisation of orthopaedic workflows, with expertise across the entire supply chain: from scanning and design through to production. Our production system integrates with existing footwear CAD software, and we carry out a technical check on every file before it goes into production. 

We have experience with lasts, fitting sheets and inserts, and would be happy to guide you through the transition to digital working. We handle both one-off and regular orders, and you can place and track your orders yourself via the order portal. 

Looking to outsource your orthopaedic footwear production? 

From digital lasts to fitting sheets and inserts: Shapemakers 3D-prints your footwear products, whether for one-off or regular orders. Do you have a special or new application? Feel free to get in touch. If you’re already a customer, place your order via the order portal. 

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What our customers have to say

Guido Shoes

(5)

"Since working with Shapemakers and scanning body parts instead of using plaster, our process has become on average a week faster. The... fit is noticeably better and more accurate, and in case of questions, Shapemakers is always readily available and willing to help. "

OIM Orthopaedics

(5)

"3D scanning allows us at OIM Orthopaedics to work faster, more efficiently and location-independently. With Shapemakers as a permanent partner in the... scanning and milling of orthopaedic instruments, we are taking a big step forward in quality and innovation. "

B&C Custom Bracing

(5)

"With B&C Custom Bracing's 3D printed knee brace, we are demonstrating how digital workflows make customisation scalable. Thanks to collaboration with... Shapemakers and Shapeshift 3D, we process a knee scan into a perfectly fitting design within minutes, without compromising on comfort, protection and freedom of movement. " "

Talking opportunities

Would you like to know more about our options in podiatry? Then feel free to contact us.

Already a customer, and already have an account? Then you can access our customer-friendly order portal. Here you can order yourself and keep an eye on the order status.