FAQ
Expand all
Insoles
Are there different 3D printing technologies and, if so, which one is used for Phits and why?
There are several 3D printing techniques; roughly, we can divide those into 3 categories, resin-based, filament-based (the most common), and powder-bed-based. Phits is printed with powder bed technologies because of the accuracy, durability, and scalability.
How long do Phits Insoles last?
The 3D-printed base is very durable, and with normal daily or sports use, the base should hold at least 2 years without any deformity. Depending on the intensity of the use, the top covers could wear out faster, but you can easily replace them when necessary
Is there any scientific evidence that Phits insoles are effective?
Phits insoles are the next level 3D-printed translation of a scientifically proven insoles concept . The same algorithms are used to suggest corrections for the design of the insoles, based on footscan dynamic pressure measurement.
Can the top cover be replaced?
Yes, Phits printed bases are covered with top covers that can easily be replaced. When you send the orthotics together with the return form to our production facility, our production team will adjust them with the top cover of your preference to make them as good as new again.
What about a warranty on the Phits insoles?
We provide a warranty on items with defects from manufacturing; please contact your local distributor for exact conditions.
Are my Phits insoles washable?
Yes, they are. The orthotics can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution and air-dried afterwards.
How do I order insole duplicates?
Each Phits insole is unique and has its own order ID number. With this number, you can look up the design parameters you have added in the past and copy them into the new othotic design. An advantage of the Phits design software is that the software remembers your design adjustments. This means that the design adjustments will still be there when you later review your patient's session.
Can I consult the original design parameters somewhere?
Yes, in your Phits order list you have an overview of all the orders you've submitted and their designs. The design of the orthotics is also linked to the footscan session of your patient. This means you can always go back and revise the design you made for a specific footscan measurement.
Is it possible to make an insole design on a static measurement or 3D scan?
Yes, you can. When you start your orthotic design from a 3D scan, you have all the design options available. However, as Phits are initially designed based on dynamic pressure characteristics, we strongly suggest including a dynamic measurement to benefit from all intrinsic advantages 3D-printed orthotics provide.
Why is 3D printing the future proof technology for insoles?
3D printing allows you to produce lightweight orthotics with an accuracy of 0.1mm. Next to that, there is less waste when producing the orthotics. The 3D-printed structures offer you the option to add intrinsic corrections to your orthotics instead of adding additional, often bulky, corrections.
Why are Phits insoles composed of two parts?
The printed base is crucial for correcting the patient's gait and adding the necessary supports, while the top cover ensures the orthotics are comfortable for the patient.
Footscan
What is the added value of measuring my patient with a footscan pressure plate?
Measuring the patient dynamically with footscan provides the ability to identify potential risks that are not detectable with eyes or even with a camera combined with a treadmill. Identifying peak pressures, zones of risk, and the 'Center of Pressure' line gives you precious information in biomechanical assessment and Phits orthotic design. Furthermore, it is an intuitive tool that helps you educate your patient about their foot biomechanics.
Why is the footscan system preferred over a treadmill for a correct gait and running assessment?
Scientific studies clearly demonstrate that walking or running on a treadmill significantly influences the natural gait and running pattern. It increases the contact time, modifies the pressure distribution, and reduces the peak pressure, especially under the heel, medial metatarsals, and the hallux. This is not the case with the footscan system, making it a more accurate gait and running analysis tool.
Why is it important to measure at a high frequency?
An increased vertical impact peak during running has been associated with various running-related injuries such as stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. To fully capture the impact peak values when looking into higher movement speeds (e.g., running), a sampling rate of up to 300 Hz is required. The Materialise Phits Suite consists of a digital workflow that uses footscan® technology originally developed by RSscan. The pressure plate and associated software offer a sampling rate of up to 300 Hz. This means you can collect up to 300 pressure images per second, ensuring accurate interpretation of your patient's movement.
How can I clean my footscan pressure system?
Take a spray bottle and fill it with water and a non-aggressive detergent. Spray the solution on a piece of cloth first, never directly on the surface of the pressure plate, then simply clean the plate with the cloth.
How long will the footscan plate work?
The use of the footscan systems depends on the intensity of use. Having said that, over the past 20 years, thousands of users rated our footscan system as an exceptionally durable and cost-efficient investment.
How many times does my patient have to walk or run over the footscan plate to have an accurate measurement?
Of course, you can ask your patient to walk or run up and down the pressure plate once and do an analysis based on the left and right foot scan. However, the footscan pressure system's main benefit is that it allows you to measure and easily gather more information from your patient continuously. Three left and three right foot strikes should suffice for an accurate analysis. For Phits 3D-printed orthotics however, we advise five left and five right moves. The software will combine all the scans into one average and use it to calculate the corrections. The more scans per foot you have, the stronger your average, therefor the more accurate your orthotic recommendation, will be.
Is it possible to connect footscan or the 3D scanners to my user interface?
Yes, we offer an API to connect your software to our state-of-the-art technology. It is also possible to add your own branding to the hardware should you so choose. For more information, please fill in the contact form.
This content is intended for Health Care Professionals only.