14 DAY TRIAL // The normal way to make an orthotic sock, insole or other kind of skeleton support is rather involved. First a specialist has to take measurements, then use plaster to create a mold in which a suitable material (plastic, rubber, silicone) is poured. Only after that can the patient receive it.
Depending on the location of a damaged bone or cartilage, or a twisted joint, the process can cost hundreds of dollars and last weeks.
For kids it's even more complicated, as the fittings have to be changed more often if they are experiencing a growth spurt. Also, their bones are more delicate.
That's why 3D printing technology is so well looked upon: it can shorten the time it takes to make an orthotic to days.
A company by the name of Andiamo has just launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, hoping to raise funds for a new range of 3D printed orthotics for children.
The new range of 3D printed orthotics
The new collection is a result of a long time of orthotic fitting for Diamo, the quadriplegic son of Andiamo founders Samiya and Naveed Parvez.
They use 3D scanning to build a model of the leg, which they then use as a basis for creating a virtual model of the orthotic device. It only takes 48 hours for everything to be ready.
A number of artists are already contributing special patterns and themes for the orthotic add-ons, making sure that the healing isn't done while looking silly or nasty.
Diamo will never want for a proper exodermis again, and his parents intend to open up their offer to the rest of the world. That's the whole point of the Kickstarter campaign.
Availability
Sadly, the Kickstarter Andiamo campaign will not begin until next week, but an Indiegogo campaign has already come and gone.
Interestingly enough, the Hubs website will provide the .STL models free of charge. The pledges will net you stylish, artistic pieces made by artists Lorenzo Quinn and Amalia Ulman, among others. Some in limited edition.
