Paula Radcliffe complete's 10k race with 3D printed insoles
With the help of 3D printing, world-record holder Paula Radcliffe made her comeback last week at the Worcester City 10k race.
In a collaboration from RS Scan and Materialise a pair of 3D printed insoles were designed by newly founded RS Print, based on Paula’s dynamic gait analysis to support her in training for the London Marathon in April 2015.
The unique insoles are created using RS Scan’s footscan process to get an accurate model of the individual’s gait. The results are then examined for where extra support is needed and a custom design is generated. RS Print then 3D prints the design using optimised 3D printing technology
Paula said: “Whether your goal is to break the marathon world record or to run in the annual 5k race in your street with some friends, having a footscan analysis is just a responsible thing to do to prevent possible problems. It’s truly amazing what the guys at RS Scan can see on my footscan gait analysis and RS Print’s 3D-printed insoles work to fit my personal running style.”
RS Print's 3D printed insoles
Paula adds that the insoles have been crucial in getting her back on track since her injury in 2012 and strongly believes that using the latest technology can make a huge different in athletics.
Paula adds: ““Since my injury, I am now more cautious than ever to make sure my feet are well taken care of so that I can reach my new running goals of the London Marathon. Without the support of RS Scan and the insoles I would not have been able to recover back to this point post operation.”
The insoles are set to be available for everyone as they reach selected European regions this Autumn. Visitors to this year's TCT Show will be able to take a look at similar 3D printed insoles from Materialise in an exhibit at Birmingham's NEC from 30th September until 2nd October.
