Development And Biomechanical Validation Of Medical Insoles To Prevent Foot Ulcers On Diabetic Patients By Means Of Thermoplastic Elastomers And Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Traditional insole manufacturing, also known as customized medical equipment production, is a laborious work that requires specific skills. Current manufacturing approach contains harmful material particles such as plaster and carbon that may cause respiratory failure. Besides, manufactured insoles may not be suitable for any mass-produced footwear in all cases. Therefore, patients require to get insole-specific footwears. In this study, a diabetic insole was manufactured using a thermoplastic elastomer on an FDM based system. Biomechanical functionality was achieved by means of the performed polymer analysis. Finally, desired biomechanical properties were determined by performed finite element analysis. Both additive and traditional manufactured insoles were also compared according to the cost and function.