Oct 5, 2015 | By Kira
Autodesk today confirmed its commitment to Digital Footwear Creation unveiling the Autodesk Footwear group, which combines products from the Delcam Crispin and Delcam Custom Orthotics Insoles lines into a single new brand. The Footwear group will integrate Delcam’s existing software solutions with Autodesk’s 3D printing software, services and technologies to design and manufacture custom shoes and shoe accessories, from last creation, to complex upper and sole design, to form-fitted insoles.
UK company Delcam Crispin provides complete CADCAM software and is known for their contributions to the digital footwear industry. Their products include OrthoModel and OrthoMill, software packages for the design and manufacture of custom orthotic insoles, respectively; Shoemaker, a 3D footwear design solution; as well as a foot scanner and software for total footwear costing, among others.
The formation of the Footwear group follows Autodesk’s acquisition of Delcam in February 2014. According to a press release, all of the staff from the Delcam businesses will be absorbed by the new Autodesk Footwear group, meaning that both Autodesk as well as their customers will benefit from the combined support of the development, sales and technical staff, and their vast experience in the production of footwear and orthotic insole industries.
With an entire group focusing exclusively on digital footwear, they expect to be able to bring a much wider portfolio of products to the market than what is currently available. “The reinforced focus on the footwear industry means greater possibilities for both our existing and new customers. Being able to provide an even wider ranger of tailored solutions improves the options available to both designers and manufacturers,” said Chris Lawrie, former Healthcare Business Development Manager at Delcam, and current Director of Autodesk Footwear.
There is a very large market for custom shoes, orthotics and insoles, with major players such as Nike, Adidas and New Balance eager to develop new products that enhance comfort, fit, athletic performance. We’ve also seen 3D printed high heels with extremely complex structures and shapes taking over fashion runways, and biomechanically optimized insoles available to the consumer market. With this strategic development, it’s safe to say that Autodesk is stepping up their 3D printed shoe game.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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