Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Plastics News
Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • News
    • Recycling
    • Sustainability
    • Bioplastics
    • Technology & Materials
    • Injection Moulding
    • Blow Moulding
    • Extrusion
    • Thermoforming
    • 3D printing
    • Technology
    • Materials
    • Machinery
  • Opinion
    • View Point
  • Events
    • Our Exhibitions
    • Plastics Industry Awards (PIA)
    • Ask the Expert
    • Reifenhäuser Technologies Livestreams
    • Plastics News Europe Live Archives
    • Sustainable Plastics Live
    • Reuters Responsible Business Europe 2022
    • Plastics Recycling Show Europe
  • Prices & Resources
    • Polymer Prices
    • Data Reports
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Media Pack
  • Subscribe
  • Digital magazine
    • Digital Magazine
  • Multimedia
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
April 20, 2021 11:23 AM

3D-printing takes customisation to a new level

Karen Laird
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    © GeBioM

    Covestro and orthopedic service provider GeBioM are now also supporting orthopedic shoemakers in the production of customised insoles using 3D printing.

    GeBioM mbH has resulted in the development of a new solution for the production of custom insoles. Together with Danish printer partner Create it REAL, the companies are now able to produce precisely made-to-measure orthopaedic insoles using 3D printing.

    The family-run GeBioM Group, headquartered in Münster, Germany, develops software and technology, with a focus on the digitalisation of biomechanical applications. Its proprietary CAD application includes a component called Cubix that enables the individual setting of degrees of hardness in insoles, which are subsequently 3D printed. Simply by changing the printed structure, the hardness of the insole can be adjusted -  and the printed structure makes the insole highly breathable.

    The filament material used is a new Addigy FPU 79A thermoplastic polyurethane from Covestro. The printer was specifically built for use with this TPU material and for this application, said Lukas Breuers, 3D printing expert at Covestro, in order to be able to print very soft structures.

    “The material and printer were harmonised during development to achieve a perfect result," he added. "With the help of the automated software solution, soft and hard structures can be combined in a shoe insole, achieving a level of customisation that was previously virtually impossible."

    The TPU also meets the requirements for medical devices with regard to cytotoxicity and skin sensitisation in accordance with the DIN EN ISO 10993-5 and 10993-10 standards.

    Next to enhanced functionality, the solution also offers an improved ecological footprint over current insole production methods, which generate large amounts of waste.

    “Moreover, the insoles themselves are hazardous waste after use,” said Marcel Domenghino, Managing Director of GeBioM.

    “With 3D printing, we now enable our customers to produce in a waste-free manner by using only the material that is needed for the insoles."

    Covestro is currently working on a recyclable TPU for this application and is developing opportunities with GeBioM and value chain partners to recover used insoles for recycling. Already, the spools on which the filament is wound are reused. The development is part of a global strategic programme to fully align the company with the Circular Economy. Components of the programme include innovative recycling technologies and the increased use of alternative raw materials such as biomass, CO2 and plastic waste, as well as renewable energy.

    Newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Sustainable Plastics' news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Sustainable Plastics Media Kit Cover

    Subscriptions to Sustainable Plastics, the leading Pan-European magazine for the circular plastics industry.

    Subscribe now
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter

    "In a changing world, Sustainable Plastics is a constant: a platform the plastics industry can rely on to deliver the news and knowhow impacting the industry going forward”

    Contact Us

    11 Ironmonger Lane, EC2V 8EY
    United Kingdom 
     

    Customer Service:
    1-313-446-0450

    [email protected]

     

    Resources
    • Advertise
    • Sitemap
    • Careers
    • Subscribe
    Affiliates
    • Plastics News
    • LSR World
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Tire Business
    • Rubber News
    • Automotive News
    • Automotive News Europe
    • Crain Publications
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Recycling
      • Sustainability
      • Bioplastics
      • Technology & Materials
        • Injection Moulding
        • Blow Moulding
        • Extrusion
        • Thermoforming
        • 3D printing
        • Technology
        • Materials
        • Machinery
    • Opinion
      • View Point
    • Events
      • Our Exhibitions
        • Plastics Recycling Show Europe
      • Plastics Industry Awards (PIA)
      • Ask the Expert
      • Reifenhäuser Technologies Livestreams
      • Plastics News Europe Live Archives
      • Sustainable Plastics Live
      • Reuters Responsible Business Europe 2022
    • Prices & Resources
      • Polymer Prices
      • Data Reports
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Media Pack
    • Subscribe
    • Digital magazine
      • Digital Magazine
    • Multimedia