3D printed last – For orthopedics and custom shoes

The 3D printed last
For orthopedic and custom shoes

The fastest way to high-quality custom lasts is through Dreve. Our digital manufacturing using modern, high-performance 3D printing systems consistently meets industry standards in terms of precision, build volume, and material and process flexibility.

Lasts made from resin are available significantly faster than conventional wooden lasts and are in no way inferior to them in terms of further processing. They offer reliable, reproducible quality and are ideally suited for subsequent manufacturing and machining steps.

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Precise

Material-efficient

Short delivery time

Properties

Resilience

An important requirement for a shoe last is resistance to mechanical stress. This is particularly significant during sole molding. Dreve’s 3D-printed lasts impress with maximum stability, even under heavy load. The internal structure ensures that stability is guaranteed at all times while keeping the last pleasantly lightweight.

Sanding

Grinding removes material and generates heat: Our 3D-printed lasts have also been optimized for subsequent sanding. The material exhibits only minimal thermoplastic properties, allowing for sanding without smearing. Tool life of the abrasive is equivalent to that achieved with wood. The high wall thickness allows for multiple adjustments of the shape without exposing the internal structure.

Filling and bonding

Lasts often are built up and shaped using filler or cork. These materials are fully compatible with Dreve’s 3D-printed lasts. Both filler and cork bond optimally with the plastic and can be processed as desired and sanded down to create a seamless transition to the rest of the last that is no longer tactilely perceptible.

Thermoforming

Our 3D-printed lasts also work seamlessly in the production of a transparent trial shoe using the thermoforming process. The lasts reliably withstand the vacuum and the temperature of the heated film while precisely maintaining its contour. After the film has cooled, the lasts can be easily removed from the mold and used directly for further shoe production.

Tacking

The optimized material properties of Dreve’s 3D-printed lasts, combined with a standard wall thickness of 8 mm, ensure that the tacking needles maintain ideal hold in the material at all times. The tacking needles can be inserted optimally into the part and removed again with minimal effort.

Nailing

When attaching the shoe upper to the bottom of the last with nails, the nails must be easily inserted and removed while securely holding the upper in place. The adjusted wall thickness of our 3D-printed lasts ensure that the nails always find sufficient hold in the last. Optimized material parameters also facilitate easy removal of the nails.

High-strength connection

To ensure that the shoe lasts remain absolutely stable
even at its joints, a heavy-duty connection mechanism is part of every printed last. The steel construction ensures that the joint can be opened and closed without wear.

Absolutely stable

Our 3D-printed shoe lasts, made of light-curing plastic, remains just as durable and dimensionally stable years later as it was on the first day. Unlike wood, which is subject to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, the Dreve last is absolutely stable and durable in the long run.

Reproduction and new printing

The advantages of the digital lasts are obvious: long-term digital storage without the need for physical storage space, quick reprinting or new printing in case of loss, damage, or the need for adjustments, as well as the easy modification of individual areas. This simplifies the handling of patient data and makes processes more efficient.

What can
we offer?

Dreve manufactures custom shoe lasts using 3D printing based on precise digital production data. We not only handle the manufacturing but, if needed, also take care of the complete digitization and modeling for you. In addition to processing existing data sets, we also digitize analog templates, such as foot-print foams or plaster casts. This way, we provide easy access to digital processes – regardless of the format of your source data.

When it comes to modeling, the choice is yours:

Upon request, approval can take place before printing via a brief video conference, allowing you to review the order in advance and give final confirmation. Alternatively, we can handle the modeling directly for you – quickly, efficiently, and without the need for
additional coordination.

You benefit from maximum flexibility and you can tailor the process to best suit your daily workflow. There are no restrictions whatsoever regarding last size. Manufacturing is carried out with a precision of
± 0.1 mm. An integrated steel thread with an M8 metric screw also ensures a stable and durable connection between the different parts.

Technical details

Dreve’s 3D-printed lasts offer outstanding properties for the production of custom-made shoes. Whether sanding, stapling, or gluing: our plastic withstands all stresses and is fully comparable to traditionally
manufactured lasts.

Shoe sizes

no limitations

Precision

± 0.1 mm

Connection

M8 steel thread

Weight

approx. 750 g

Color

Ocean whisper

Our experts

Choosing 3D printing is an innovative step in your entire workflow. However, the initial setup and implementation can sometimes be a challenge, especially for beginners. Our experts in additive manufacturing and 3D printing are happy to assist you on your journey. We will guide you competently through the process.
For over seventy years, Dreve has been known for high-quality and reliable products in medical applications. As a manufacturer of medical devices, one thing is most important to us: the complete satisfaction of our customers.

That’s why our experts provide genuine added value for you – whether you are an experienced user of digital technologies or an ambitious beginner. Feel free to reach out to us anytime!