Re: RP & Footware

From: Halford, Ben (ben_halford@peragroup.com)
Date: Thu Dec 04 1997 - 15:41:00 EET


Dear foot scanning addicts.

I would imagine that loose fit standard sizes, combined with air / foam
bladder techniques will always be far cheeper for manufacturing people
specific shoes than using scanners and milling (which would require further
processing to attach the upper fabric etc). I believe that companies in the
US are already using the foam version for Football helmets where fit is
safety critical. I am sure that with a little more R&D into material cure
times and properties this will also be the way forward in the shoe industry
 - if indeed there is a mass requirement for anything other than a good pair
of socks/insoles (inflatable or not).

As a thought, wouldn't the most accurate way be to place the persons foot in
a mould with the outer tread form on its surface (the cavity half), and cast
into the 'tool'. This would provide a perfect sole (toe nails, warts and
all). If your worried about burning your toes then use a high density pin
tool (with membrane) to seperate skin from polymer.

Regards
Ben Halford
Pera Technology
England
ben_halford@peragroup.com
 ----------
From: Terry T. Wohlers
To: Brad Fox
Cc: RP-ML
Subject: Re: RP & Footware
Date: 04 December 1997 04:44

Brad Fox wrote:

> another company has developed a fully operational foot scanner. Because

they

Perhaps you're aware that Cyberware (Monterey, Calif.) has had a foot
scanner for years.

> capturing scans of thousands of people. It will go to malls, shopping
> centers, etc. The data will be used by the company for various reasons,

but
> primarily for research purposes.

Interesting, although it sounds like a data collection project, not an
effort to popularize the idea of scanning feet and quickly and
inexpensively producing custom-fit inner soles or supports for consumers.

Terry Wohlers
Wohlers Associates, Inc.
twohlers@compuserve.com



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