A Dutch firm began by two brothers in 2013 is creating into a number one additive manufactured element, software program, and {hardware} participant within the orthopedics area.
LutraCAD has developed CAD-CAM software program that designs numerous shoe modification inserts to very particular affected person necessities, offering an end-to-end service from foot measurement acquisition – with its vary of 4 3D foot scanners – by way of to the ultimate 3D printed product.
The corporate’s said mission is to “streamline the method by way of velocity and ease, with out sacrificing high quality”. Based in 2013 by Jordy den Otter, an architectural CAD designer working at an orthopedic firm on the time, his brother Niels got here on board as a software program engineer in 2016.
The corporate has since grown to incorporate 3D printing capabilities, measurement software program, a scanning app, and its {hardware} vary.
“Once we first began, we intentionally stayed away from {hardware}. We centered on constructing highly effective, user-friendly software program, and let others deal with the instruments,” defined Jordy on the beginnings of the corporate as a software program supplier. “However one thing modified.
“As extra clinics mixed our software program with numerous scanners and printers, they got here to us for assist, even when the problem was clearly hardware-related. That’s after we realized: if we’re going to be doing assist anyway, we would as nicely provide {hardware} we belief.”
In 2020, the corporate launched the {hardware} and built-in it into its full-service providing, and it hasn’t regarded again since. Its software program is now complemented by the LX500 Compact, LX800 Plus, and LXL180 scanners, which supply various ranges of portability and complexity of ultimate scan. The Construction Sensor, the fourth scanner, is a compact and light-weight model that plugs into an iPad.
All merchandise are developed in-house with the purpose of offering accessible and intuitive interfaces for purchasers, enabling manufacturing with out the requirement of technical data, and providing a customizable and scalable answer.
LutraCAD has additionally developed its personal vary of proprietary filaments for 3D printing insoles, shoe lasts, midsoles, and foil check footwear with totally different ranges of stiffness and suppleness in line with the precise final result required. The corporate additionally helps conventional milling for sure kinds of insoles, shoe lasts, and midsoles.
