Delcam to show orthotics CADCAM system at AOPA National Assembly
Delcam will demonstrate the latest versions of its OrthoModel and OrthoMill software for, respectively, the design and manufacture of custom orthotic insoles at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association National Assembly to be held in Orlando from 29th September and 2nd October.
- (1888PressRelease) September 17, 2010 - Delcam’s new iQube, a dedicated 3D scanner to capture data for the design of orthotics, will also be on show.
The 2011 version of OrthoModel will enable the quick and easy design of a broader range of orthotics. In particular, more functions have been added to adapt for individual patients the range of standard base models supplied with the software. These extra shaping tools allow customised modification of the standard designs so that a better-fitting and more comfortable orthotic can be produced. They are particularly important when making anatomical orthotics for diabetic, rheumatic or other "at-risk” foot conditions. In these cases, a close match between the foot and the orthotic is needed to give a controlled distribution of the patient’s weight over the device.
Another recent enhancement is the ability to create flat-bottom orthotics as well as constant-thickness designs. In addition, users can add "skive” (a flat correcting surface) to either the medial or the lateral side of the orthotic and can vary the angle of the plane. Previously, the software was limited to a 15 degree plane on the medial side of the design.
A range of measurement tools have been added to OrthoModel so the distances can be determined more quickly between the different key points within the orthotic. In addition, undercut shading has been added to help with arch-height selection, while dynamic sectioning gives the ability to use front or rear section planes to view and take measurements from any cross-section through the model.
The most significant addition in the latest OrthoMill release is the ability to "batch” machining calculations. This allows the operator to input designs for a number of orthotics, either to be cut from a single block or from several pieces of material. The software can then generate all the required toolpaths in a continuous series of calculations. The process can even be carried out overnight, to give maximum productivity for the programmer.
A related change is the option to apply different machining templates to each of a group of orthotics that will be cut from one block of material in a single manufacturing sequence. The templates provide the automated machining routines for the orthotics. Previously, all items produced in one operation had to use the same template, which reduced the overall machining efficiency. Extra flexibility has also been added with the ability to vary the Z-heights of each item within the block, and to vary the size and the number of machining tabs for each orthotic.
In addition, set-up sheets can now be generated showing the layout of the orthotics within the block, together with the patient information for each device. This will be especially helpful in cases where the manufacturing is being carried out by a different technician from the programming.
The key benefit of the iQube scanner is its versatility. It can be used to capture data directly from the patient’s foot, either in weight-on, weight-off or semi-weight-bearing modes. The scanner weighs only 14kg, making it easily portable so it can be taken to any patients whose movement is restricted.
Alternatively, the iQube can be used to scan casts or foam-box impressions. The data can then be emailed to the laboratory that will manufacture the orthotic, along with the patient’s details, so eliminating the costs and time delays associated with delivering casts or foam boxes around the country or even internationally.
The iQube is also extremely fast and accurate. It is based on scanning technology developed for the aerospace industry, which allows high-quality, full-colour, 3D images to be produced in approximately three seconds.
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