Biodegradable custom-made insoles: A 3D printing experiment

Custom-made insoles are everyday fare for podiatrists, and orthopedic shoemakers, helping clients walk comfortably and providing support where needed. But what if we could make these in a way that will not put additional strain on our planet? Starting from that belief, FootPrint3D is experimenting with 3D printing orthotics with biodegradable filament!

The experiment
The idea is simple: replace traditional manufacturing methods by 3D printing with a biodegradable variety of filament and get to work. But as with many new technologies, the transition is not as easy as it sounds.

Challenges and problems
Print speed: Biodegradable filament, can be quite viscous. This means the print head has to move slower, increasing the production time of the orthotics.
We also quickly noticed that the default settings were not ideal for this material. The temperature, speed and layer height all had to be adjusted to ensure a print.

The benefits
Despite the challenges, biodegradable filament also offers great advantages:
Environmentally friendly: The custom-made insoles can be compostable after use, giving them a much smaller carbon footprint.

Calling foot experts
FootPrint3D is curious about your opinions as foot care professionals. Are these environmentally friendly benefits great enough to outweigh the current disadvantages? Even if you still had to manually touch up the insoles on a grinding belt? Would a longer production time and possibly a slightly shorter lifespan of orthotics be acceptable if it means contributing to a healthier planet?

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The path to a more sustainable future is rarely straightforward, and this experiment shows that there are challenges. But with collaboration and continued innovation, we may be able to find a balance that benefits both our feet and our planet.

Do you have any experiences, thoughts or suggestions on this topic? Contact us at [email protected].
Let’s work together for a more sustainable future!