Activ Ortopedic relies on advanced STT Systems 3D scanning technology to design and manufacture custom orthopedic shoes and insoles with high precision. Their setup includes two Podia foot scanners, one Rubra scanner, and the Insole Studio software, creating a complete digital workflow for orthopedic foot analysis and insole design.
The Podia 3D foot scanners are used during the orthopedic shoe design process to capture all critical foot dimensions and anatomical parameters. Once the initial foot scan is completed, Podia is used again to scan the shoe last, allowing technicians to compare both 3D models and ensure an accurate fit between the foot and the final orthopedic footwear.
The Rubra scanner is specifically used for plantar surface scanning in both children and adults. Thanks to its portability, Rubra enables out-of-office foot scanning, making it ideal for mobile orthopedic assessments and on-site patient evaluations.
Digital Insole Design with Insole Studio
The Insole Studio software works in direct integration with the scanners to optimize the custom insole design process. Based on the 3D foot sole scan, technicians define the insole contour, geometry, and thickness with high accuracy.
The software also allows precise calculation and positioning of key orthopedic elements such as:
Metatarsal pads (plantar pelotes)
Oval and circular heel zones
Predefined orthopedic support elements
These components are applied to the previously generated insole contour and finished with waxed split pigskin, ensuring comfort, durability, and biomechanical effectiveness.
“Traditionally, this type of insole modeling would require a full CAD-CAM manufacturing process, which involves significant time, energy, and material consumption. For this reason, we chose an alternative manufacturing approach, similar to reverse engineering, which is far more efficient for our workflow.”
Florin Ghebuta
Activ Ortopedic