I would like to discuss the various types of Cad Cam programs built to design insoles only and other programs which are not.
Insole-only Cad Cam programs have become widely used to fabricate a pair of custom orthoses, though a lot have limitations to the user.
However there are also programs which are not built to design insoles but can be used for custom orthotic design and fabrication purposes.
What are the Cad Cam programs which could be used to design insole?
There are a number of software programs which are used and can be used to aid development of custom made devices.
Programs by Delcam such as PowerShape etc have the capability of creating any device possible and there are other types of software very similar to these which I would like to explore using this forum.
Yes, we know. There are also programs such as Solidworks, Rhinoceros etc which can and are used to aid development of custom made devices. I'm also sure open source programs like Art of Illusion can be used too. You may need to be more specific in your enquiry if you seek some assistance, since at the moment you come across as someone trying (badly) to do an infomercial for Delcam.
I have no affiliation with Delcam whatsoever.
I am trying to gather as much information as I can to see which non-insole-specific Cad Cam program could be possibly used.
I understand that Delcam have the PowerShape etc which is being used by several companies in the UK for orthotic fabrication and the results are fantastic. Thus I would like to explore what other software could possibly compete with this.
I purchased the system by Oretek.com which I discovered on Podiatry Arena. Great software and support which is all free as you pay a royalty of 2 dollars a pair or 1 dollar for positives. The 3D laser scanner and computer with software is only $1300.
Arthur, you may need to be more specific with the question as to what you are after and want to know,
Any CAD/CAM software can be used to design foot orthotics if you can get over the learning curve.
A number of companies have software that interfaces with the CAD/CAM to make the learning curve easier - ie Delcam, SharpShape, Oretek, PediCad, etc - but they primarily used at the orthotic lab or central fabrication level. A number of labs have their own proprietry version of software or interface.
Then there are several systems primailry for use at the clinical level and direct milling of devices - ie Amfit, Orthema, etc
I understand that there a number of Cad programs available but which are/would be suited to insole fabrication?
Yes I understand, like with anything it takes time to learn to achieve what you want.
What company/program is regarded as a leader in this field?
I am aware of Copycad, Powershape and Powermill from Delcam.
I haven't used this software but I understand from Phil's great presentation at the Orthotic Forum at the Bath Uni last week he was using these programs.
To balance this discussion...Simon is correct, many core CAD solutions are suitable for orthotics design (so long as they support free-form surface design). If you go to www.develop3d.com you can surf for CAD solutions and get a full picture.
Craig P is also correct, core CAD is powerful in the hands of a CAD literate user, but CAD 'skinned' with a UI carrying a degree of Podiatry domain knowledge and workflow, is ideal for the majority of Practitioners wordwide.
Ref Phil Wells, he is a great example of a Podiatrist / Lab Manager who has vaste experience in using CADCAM and other manufacturing technology. We (Delcam) find Phil's knowledge and experience invaluable (no, I do not get anything for bigging up Phil). By the way, did you see Phil's speaker profile picture at Bath event...i think he aspires to be in TV.
Hello Chris,
Ta for the link.
I’m quite interested to know more about the core CADCAM products you provide? I understand they are Powershape, Copycad and Powermill from one of the posts above.
How would these systems integrate/work to design and mill orthotics?
Thanks
Hi Simon, I have to agree but I can leave that for another day. I want to open discussion to understand as much as I can the capabilities of a pure core CADCAM product within the foot orthoses field.
As you are aware there are products that are closed-systems which I am not interested in as they offer very much the same across the board and allow minimal control to the overall design.
If it can do what it says on the tin then, it is just sensible to look into this option thoroughly and carefully! Afterall I aint stupid but know little about CAD products and computer engineering.
I think once I pay so much there is no option but to learn it all day and every day!
I also have Art of Illusion which is open source. Although, I confess I have yet to sit down and work with it. One of the projects I want to do or help someone with at some stage is to write a "how to design and manufacture foot orthoses using open source software and hardware book".
I find my philosophy more aligned with Adrian Bowyer than with the "big boys".
If you do go ahead, this would change how orthotic insoles are prescribed and made throughout the industry on a small scale I guess. And the emphasis on labs would be to mill not design.
The OreTek MicroMill software/hardware package actually makes things other than orthotics.
From a different perspective, I chose to make the CNC side of the software smarter instead of depending on antiquated G-Codes, and this chosen path has proven to be successful, at least for myself.
I use it to make the scanners I sell, the jigs and all associated hardware, not to mention anything else that comes out of this defective brain.
The end result has been to eliminate dependency on machine shops and to drop the bottom out of manufacturing expenses for RadScan. Unlike the above mentioned applications, OreTek MicroMill has my
own language of machining and has been used to make thousands of parts for this industry.
I use Autocad to design my products, and later write a few lines of micromill code to accomplish the manufacturing portion.
There are several videos on youtube that
show it in action, producing various components.
More recently, with Youtube loosening up the limits, I've been able to upload more intricate designs as an example.
For the systems I've sold, I rarely design the .cnc code files to do much, other than flycutting and perhaps moving the machine to various positions for things like clean-up.
deburring of rails, and minor repairs, so that things
don't have to come back for repair.
Just to add a bit of clarity about CNC software, there is free shareware software out there that will manage orthoses milling extremely easily.
I have used it and was more than happy.
The issues come from the hardware and its reliability.
I think that Joe mentioned milling speeds at 40,000 rpm which is classed as high speed milling in the industry and one of the most prone to failure - i.e. if the tool bends either permanently or temporarily, the un-balancing effect on the motor is huge and will reduce its life span. This is simple mechanical physics and cannot be avoided.
I have always purchased software and hardware based on the support network offered by the supplier as I need reliability above all else.
This is especially true of the software when you are earning how to use it and is probably the most important factor.
Also aim for reverse engineering CAD software rather than solid modelling as it is more intuitive and much faster. It works well with Visual Basics macro integration and is easier to learn.
Speeds higher than about 15K RPM generally will require some form of cooling after the first few plates.
The only advantage to higher RPMs is a reduced chipload.
For the newer machines I sell, I run them at 18K RPM and the chip collection system acts also as a form of air cooling.
For my own prototype system, on rare occasions that I actually do manufacture orthotics, I squirt water on them.
The carbide tools we use don't really bend, but yea, a bent tool will cause spindle damage.
One thing I really like about the Techno line of routers is how easily serviceable they are.
I have personally rebuilt their carriage bearings and have already worked through the weaknesses their systems have.
This learning curve happened in 2009 and since then, I have designed retrofit components to improve even their older system's in terms of performance and tolerance.
While I don't use their software interface or libraries, from a user standpoint they're generally grateful to have a simpler system that is scalable to production demands.
The most important software involved in using any cad/cam package is the pink stuff between the auditory receptors.
I use Copycad triangle modeling software - really good but pricey!
Re the milling software, the one I used is no longer available but if you do a search you will find plenty to try out.
The best tip re milling is to link up with a local CNC engineer and use him to consult for you - lots cheaper and highly effective.
Since no one has mentioned FootMill, I will.
FootMill would seem to be a natural part of this thread because it is a plug in for Rhino 4.0.
All the power and stability of the established Rhino CAD engine is available any time while orthotic specific designing is FootMill's purpose.
There you have the General purpose CAD you asked about along with fast and flexible orthotic capabilities.
All types of Open Source Orthotic Design Software available.
{ADMIN Note: Threads merged}
Hi,
I am looking to purchase an open source orthotic design software package that is specifically designed to make custom-made orthotics. I am aware of Delcam's OrthoModel software, but was wondering what other products are currently available?
I am currently making my own orthotics using traditional plaster techniques and am interested in using CADCAM software to make orthotics on a small scale. I am looking for an open source CADCAM software package that can be used with a CNC milling machine to make foot positives and also direct mill poly and EVA orthotics.
Re: All types of Open Source Orthotic Design Software available.
I think there might be some confusion on your part. Open source software is generally free, so you shouldn't have to purchase it- that's the point. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_software
Delcam's software is not open-source.
As far as I am aware, there is no open-source software which has been developed specifically for the desigtn and manufacture of foot orthoses- mores the pity, as I'm certain it would be highly successful. There are however, existing open-source CAD/ CAM systems which, with learning could be applied in the design and manufacture of foot orthoses. But if you are looking to be able to design orthoses quick sharp, and unless you are already skilled in using CAD software, you will probably need to pay a commercial company to use their software, which is generally rather expensive- boo. Google: "open source CAD software"