ROI of 3D Scanning for Custom Orthotics

By <a href="https://mfg.trimech.com/author/trimech/" target="_self">TriMech Marketing</a>

By TriMech Marketing

Posted on March 10, 2020

An orthotics and prosthetics clinic needed to reduce the time and costs required for making custom orthotics, while making them more precise and comfortable. They turned to the Artec Eva 3D Scanner. Review the Return on Investment (ROI) for the clinic below:

TRADITIONAL METHOD
Manual Measurement
NEW METHOD
Precision 3D Scanning with Artec Eva
Time30 minutes for casting,
1 hour for measurement, 3 hours CAD design,
30 minutes’ milling and finishing.
3 minutes for 3D scanning,
20 minutes’ post-processing & CAD,
30 minutes’ milling and finishing.
CostApproximate time: 5 hoursApproximate time: 1 hour = 80 % time savings compared to traditional method.
MethodPlaster casting together with tape measures and calipers,
with the final drawings being created in CAD software
and sent to the milling machine.
3D scanning patient’s feet from all sides with Artec Eva,
post-processing in Artec Studio, converting to CAD,
then sending to milling machine.
Level of AccuracySlow and messy, as well as uncomfortable for patients.
High risk of inaccuracy.
Up to 0.1mm 3D accuracy

THE CLINIC ACHIEVED 80% REDUCTION IN TIME AND 69% REDUCTION IN COSTS USING 3D SCANNING

ROI per pair of orthosesTimeCost
Traditional + CAD5 hoursFull cost
3D scanning + CAD1 hour = 80 % less time69 % cheaper

Scan to CAD with Artec Eva, up to 0.1 mm 3D accuracy

It is 80% faster and 69% cheaper to create the custom precision orthoses compared to using traditional materials and manual measurement. The process using a 3D scanner is described below:

  1. SCAN: 3D scan all sides of a patient’s foot. Repeat for other foot.
  2. PROCESS: Post-process the 3D scans in Artec Studio and create precise 3D models.
  3. EXPORT: Send the 3D models to CAD and ready them for CNC milling.

Other advantages of using 3D scanning: SPEED, PRECISION & COMFORT

Casting and measuring casts of patients’ feet is messy, laborious, and time-consuming. Patients dislike it, and the final results can be less-than-ideal, which leads to product returns, bad reviews, etc. 3D scanning with an Artec Eva is fast and accurate, saving time and money, and the 3D models are easily archived for future use, unlike bulky plaster casts.

Article by <a href="https://mfg.trimech.com/author/trimech/" target="_self">TriMech Marketing</a>

Article by TriMech Marketing

TriMech provides thousands of engineering teams with 3D design and rapid prototyping solutions that work hand-in-hand, from sketch to manufacturing. InterPro became a part of TriMech Solutions LLC in 2021.