Parametric Orthotic and Insole Design Software within 3DShoemaker

Parametric orthotic and insole design is now possible in the the latest version of 3DShoemaker (V 1.007). What’s unique about this approach to orthotic and insole design is that it is fully integrated with the parametric shoe last design. This is an advantage over many existing approaches, as the geometry of the shoe last has a major impact on foot and orthotic/insole interaction. A fully parametric approach to both the shoe last and the orthotic and insole design is more scientific, and thereby has the potential to be superior. Before getting started with parametric orthotic and insole design, I do suggest first learning the basics of 3DShoemaker.

Parametric Orthotic and Insole Design Software Templates

Various insert templates are available here. Currently, there are basic seed templates spanning the principal types, full length, 3/4 length, and shell. The various parameters can be adjusted the same as with shoe lasts (Edit, Update, End Edit buttons on the side panel). And as with shoe lasts, inserts can be saved as templates and used in new insole design sessions, speeding up the design process.

Parametric Orthotic and Insole Design Software Build Form

I see this parametric approach being useful for a variety of applications, ranging from stock insole design to custom orthotic design. Regarding the latter, I eventually plan to put in place functions to automatically modify the insert parameters to match the geometry of 3D foot models. For now though, there is a simple function to increase or decrease the arch height (access via the “Adjust” drop down in the side panel). And forefoot and rearfoot twist (posting) can be adjusted by editing the heel profile cross section (brings up the profile parameter editing view). Combining these functions with a variety of starter templates should allow for the accommodation/treatment of most subjects.

Bespoke Parametric Orthotic Design Software

Another important function is adjustment of “Insert Depth”. All of the editable parameters are added on to this base depth when the insert is parametrically designed. That’s why many parameters will be near zero (avoid using zero as this is an issue for versioning in 3DShoemaker) despite having some thickness in the corresponding region. Note that adjusting “Room for Inserts” should be used in conjunction with this to ensure there is enough room in the shoe last for the insole or orthotic. And also note that Insert Depth and Insert Room can be initially set on the build in the Allowances/Materials section.

A variety of material thicknesses relating to insoles and orthotics can be changed via “Adjust” dropdown/”Material Thicknesses”, as described below. Note that these get saved with the geometry when you save to create a template.

  • Insert Wall Offset: The gap between the insert and the shoe last wall, which is necessary to ensure that the insert is not too loose in the resulting shoe but can still be easily inserted.
  • Top Cover Thickness: This is the thicknesses of the top cover (if any) intended for the final insert.
  • Front Edge Thickness (3/4 Length): 3/4 inserts need to blend down to the last bottom surface so as not to result in an uncomfortable ridge. But there still needs to be some thickness at the transition, and this parameter controls that.
  • Front Edge Bevel Distance (3/4 Length): This parameter determines the distance over which the insert surface blends down to the Front Edge Thickness.
  • Shell Thickness: In the case of a shell insert (not full body), this parameter controls the thickness of the shell. Note that Shell Thickness plus Top Cover Thickness should be equal to Insert Depth.
  • Custom Orthotic and Insole Design Software Options and Settings

    There are also some important options to be familiar with when working with inserts (access via “Options” button in side panel):

  • Build Insert Body and Build Insert Top Surface: These options determine how much of the insert will be built when updating and rebuilding. When neither is checked, just the insert curves are designed. This results in the fastest build time. If you want to see what the resulting surfacing will look like, you can turn on “Build Insert Top Surface”. And if you want to see what the final 3D insert looks like, you can turn on “Build Insert Body”.
  • Adjust 3/4 Shell Edge to Last Bottom: This is a handy feature to automatically snap the front edge of shell orthotics down to the last bottom surface. Note that this is only applicable when “Build Insert Body” is enabled.
  • Lastly, I’ll reiterate that building the insert body does take a fair bit of computing time, particularly when adjusting the front edge of a 3/4 orthotic to the last bottom surface. So I highly recommend only building the insert body once you are satisfied with the top surface.

    That’s all for the essentials of orthotic and insole design in 3DShoemaker. Make sure to watch the video to see it in action. In future posts, I’ll get more into the custom and bespoke side of orthotic design.

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