Our technology
Dreve’s 3D printed last offers outstanding features for the production of custom-made footwear. It is available on short notice without long lead times and is manufactured in an energy- and resource-efficient manner. Despite its modern production method, it performs just as reliably as a traditionally manufactured last. Thanks to the digital workflow, you always receive a highly precise product that can be reproduced at any time.
Why choose DLP Printing?
In today’s world, sustainability and material efficiency are more important than ever. Traditional wooden lasts align well with these values in theory but are produced by subtractive manufacturing methods, resulting in significant material waste – much of the wood is not used in the final product. Additive manufacturing addresses this issue directly. In the process commonly known as 3D printing, the part is built layer by layer, adding material only where it is needed. This method ensures nearly 100% of the material goes into the final component, making it a highly resource-efficient process..
In FDM (fused deposition modeling) printing, the material is melted and deposited layer by layer as a thermoplastic strand through a heated nozzle. This approach has two major drawbacks: First, the nozzle must trace every point of each layer individually, which leads to long production times for larger parts. Second, the material cools down after being deposited, so each new layer is laid on top of a cold one. This results in internal stresses and weaker layer bonding – a mechanical disadvantage.
By contrast, in 3D printing with light-curing resins, the material is hardened by UV light, forming stable molecular bonds. The bond between layers is also chemical, achieved through molecular cross-linking, resulting in a very strong interlayer connection. As a result, the finished part exhibits nearly isotropic properties – it is equally strong in all directions.
The Dreve 3D printed last combines all these advantages: sustainable, precise, and mechanically robust.
Sustainability
In today’s world, the awareness of sustainability and eco-friendly products is continuously growing. This mindset applies to both the private and commercial sectors – and thus, to the work of the orthopedic shoemaker in their workshop. Shoe lasts are no exception, and the goal should always be to use the last as efficiently as possible, ensuring it lasts for as many pairs of shoes as possible, unless the patient's foot changes significantly. If such changes occur, the disposal of the last must be considered.
The traditional method of making shoe lasts from wood already offers a good solution, as wood is a renewable resource. However, since wooden lasts are rarely free from the use of fillers or adhesives for material optimization, traditional recycling is no longer an option. The wood can no longer be repurposed into secondary materials, like particleboard. The only feasible solution is thermal recovery.
Our 3D printed last is in no way inferior to wooden lasts in this regard. The plastic used is non-toxic, allowing for disposal in regular household waste. Thermal recovery for the generation of heat or electricity is also easily possible. Alternatively, the last can be returned to us, and Dreve will ensure it is properly recycled.
✓ Disposal via regular household waste
✓ Thermal recovery is easily possible
✓ Return to Dreve for free disposal
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!
