With the Australian government’s increased focus on innovation and technology, local orthotics manufacturing company iOrthotics is leading the way for the industry, with its new 3D printed orthotic devices.
The Turnbull-government has thrown its support behind initiatives like iOrthotics’ 3D printing manufacturing techniques, announcing its $1.1 billion innovation statement late last year to “incentivise, energise, dynamise” the Australian industry.
iOrthotics uses 3D printing technology to deliver its unique 3D printed orthotic device, EnviroPoly. As an alternative to polypropylene, the new EnviroPoly approach has been developed using iOrthotics’ own unique material and additive manufacturing processes.
The business has invested hundreds of thousands in research and development (R&D) to establish its market-leading orthotics solution. It has also partnered with the University of Queensland, The Centre for Advance Materials Processing and Manufacturing (CADPM) to undertake further testing and consult a proven research organisation.
“iOrthotics is focused on reducing the scale and scope of the environmental impact of plastic and rubber based materials and products in the podiatry industry,” says iOrthotics Founder, General Manager and Podiatrist Dean Hartley.
“We’ve worked hard to create a more sustainable future for our industry and the environment, moving away from unsustainable subtractive manufacturing processes.”
“By improving our manufacturing methods, iOrthotics has achieved a 99 per cent reduction in waste for rigid orthotics, compared to traditional polypropylene devices.
“In partnering with the University of Queensland, we’ve brought significant PhD thinking to the products’ development. This partnership will also guide further development and allow us to produce higher quality, research-driven devices.”
“In addition, this research will aid the pathology implications associated with orthotic design and allow us to improve the design processes to create high quality orthotic devices.”
The National Innovation and Science Agenda is also aimed at driving smart ideas that create business gr
owth, local jobs and global success. True to this, the rapid growth iOrthotics is currently experiencing thanks to its market-leading technologies is also expected to benefit the local economy.
“Unlike other industries who have moved their manufacturing offshore, we’re expanding our Australian operations, with a new manufacturing warehouse and head office,” Mr Hartley says.
“Our manufacturing processes are not only more sustainable, but will help drive local job growth and provide a much-needed boost to the Australian economy.”
Mr Hartley says iOrthotics is able to pass on the benefits of its R&D and innovation to customers and the wider manufacturing industry.
“By using leading-edge technology, we’ve been able to future proof our organisation and the orthotics industry,” he says.
“While we will continue to focus on and invest in our primary Australia market, this approach provides us with the scalability to grow our business and service other global markets in the future, such as Asia Pacific, North America and Europe.”