Computer-aided design and manufacturing of customized insoles

Manufacturing customized insoles usually requires casting plantar contours with materials such as gypsum or plaster. Technicians or physicians must then finish the work to make sure the molds properly fit a person's feet. This is time-consuming and costly, and the molds are unalterable. Also, this process lacks plantar pressure data as a reference for corrective therapy. To overcome these drawbacks, a new method integrates reverse engineering, CAD/CAM technologies, and a plantar-pressure-measuring system. This method produces a rapid, efficient manufacturing process that creates properly fitted and comfortable insoles that can help prevent injuries.