In the pursuit of comfort and health, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to “the pair of insoles under their feet”. Especially for people with flat feet, high arches, abnormal gait, plantar fatigue and other problems, customized insoles are regarded as daily needs. In this customization process, foot scanners are playing an indispensable core role.
So, how is a pair of customized insoles that truly fit the foot shape, comfortable and supportive born? From foot scanning to the final product, what are the key processes in the middle? Today we will take you to understand it comprehensively.
Step 1: Laser scanning modeling, accurate acquisition of foot shape data
The first step of customizing insoles is to obtain the three-dimensional structural information of the user’s feet. This step is the “home court” of foot scanners. Unlike traditional manual measuring rulers and plaster molds, modern foot scanners mostly use the principle of laser scanning.
The equipment illuminates the foot through a high-density laser light network, and then multiple sets of high-resolution cameras capture the reflected signals from different angles. According to the laser reflection angle and path changes, the system quickly reconstructs structural information such as foot length, foot width, arch height, heel tilt angle, etc., and generates a three-dimensional model with millimeter-level accuracy.
The entire scanning process takes only a dozen seconds, is non-contact and radiation-free, and is especially suitable for children, the elderly and people with special foot shapes.
Step 2: Import insole design software and intelligently match the support structure
After the scan is completed, the three-dimensional model of the foot shape will be automatically imported into the professional insole design software. This step is the “brain operation” in the customization process. The designer or technician adjusts the parameters such as the support position, slope, and hardness area of the insole according to the characteristics of the foot shape and foot problems.
For example, flat feet may require increased medial arch support, high arches require buffer pressure design; those with metatarsalgia can add forefoot cushions. These adjustments are all completed through software refinement operations to ensure that the insole finds the best balance between “support” and “comfort”.
Step 3: 3D printing or CNC engraving, fast and accurate manufacturing of finished products
After the design is completed, the digital model of the insole will be directly transmitted to the manufacturing equipment. Modern custom insoles are usually produced by 3D printing or CNC engraving.
3D printers use specific medical materials to stack layers according to the model to generate solid insoles, which have the advantages of fast molding, precise shape, and adjustable regional density. CNC engraving machines use high-speed cutter heads to accurately cut material blocks, which is suitable for mass production and higher material strength requirements.
No matter which method is used, “one thousand insoles for one thousand people” can be achieved, so that each pair of insoles can truly fit each foot.
