Press Release

Leuven, Belgium. May 14, 2014. Materialise is proud to announce the launch of a joint venture with RSscan International, an expert in gait analysis, called “RSPrint Powered by Materialise.” By combining Materialise’s expertise in 3D Printing and design automation with RSscan’s leading dynamic measurement footscan solutions, RSPrint will create the world’s first dynamic 3D printed insoles, customized to truly support the every move of an individual.

While RSPrint is not the first or the only company to offer 3D printed insoles, they are the first to use Footscan® hardware and software for dynamic pressure measurements for the design of insoles. These insoles take into account not only the shape of the patient’s foot, but also the pressure distribution while walking, running and more thanks to the indepth biomechanical analysis enabled by Footscan®. The result is a scientifically-based insole customized to support every move the wearer makes.

Materialise’s founder and CEO, Fried Vancraen, had this to say about the joint venture: “Our mission at Materialise has always been to use our 3D Printing software and solutions in the creation of a better and healthier world, and this joint venture with RSscan International does just that. With RSPrint, RSscan’s state-of-the-art measurement solution is being used to create advanced 3D printed insoles that do more than just provide a customized fit to the shape of the foot. Thanks to RSPrint, individuals will be able to walk, run, and pursue an active lifestyle in comfort with 3D printed insoles that respond to their specific needs.”

Jempi Wilssens, founder of RSscan International, stated, “As a former athlete myself, I saw the the damage done when incorrect sports shoes were worn. I first started RSscan with the goal of helping others perform to the best of their abilities, injury free, through a better understanding of their footwear needs. With RSPrint, I feel that we are taking yet another step in the right direction by creating 3D printed, customized insoles that gives wearers the dynamic support needed, for every move they make.”

The RSPrint Process

Step one: The foot is scanned using RSscans’s Footscan® system

Step two: Customized insoles are designed to truly meet the needs of the individual

Step three: The insoles are then prepared for the 3D Printing process

Step four: The insoles are 3D Printed and delivered, completing the process

From May 13^th to 16^th, “RSPrint Powered by Materialise” will be present at the exhibition of Orthopedie and Reha Technik in Leipzig, giving attendees a first hand look at their technology. The company will be based in Paal (Belgium) in RSscan’s newly opened building, where 3D-soles will be printed for distribution worldwide.

About Materialise
With its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium, and branches worldwide, Materialise has been playing an active role in the field of Additive Manufacturing (AM, also known as 3D Printing) since 1990. In addition to having the largest single-site capacity of AM equipment in Europe, Materialise also enjoys a stellar reputation as a provider of innovative software solutions. They have used their experience and expertise to create a better and healthier world through their involvement in AM for industrial and medical applications, and by providing biomedical and clinical solutions such as medical image processing and surgical simulations. Materialise has developed unique solutions that make a world of difference for its many customers with their prototyping, production, and medical needs. These customers range from large companies in the automotive, consumer electronics, and consumables sectors; to famous hospitals, research institutes, and clinicians; to individual consumers interested in bringing their own unique creations to life through i.materialise or who want to purchase a celebrated .MGX design. For additional information, please visit: http://www.materialise.com/

About RSscan International
The Belgian Company RSscan International is an expert in Plantar Pressure Measurement systems with a worldwide distribution in 40 countries and owned subsidiaries in China, UK and Scandinavia. RSscan produces special “Footscan®” hardware and software for dynamic pressure measurements in science, topsport, clinical markets (orthotics, podology), leisure and much more. RSscan distributes hardware and software in 45 countries and has subsidiary companies in China, the UK and Scandinavia.

Media Contacts:

Materialise: RSscan:
Vanessa Palsenbarg Tristan Selis,
Corporate Communications Specialist Marketing and Sales Manager
Phone: +32 16 39 66 37 Tristan.selis@rsscan.com
Fax: +32 16 39 66 00
Email: Vanessa.Palsenbarg@materialise.be
Twitter: @belgiancanuck or @MaterialiseNV
Visit: www.materialise.com