Software developments increase last-design possibilities
18/03/2010
UK-based technology provider Delcam CRISPIN has released the 2010 versions of its range of design and manufacturing software for the footwear industry.
The company says the new versions include significant enhancements to its LastMaker and ShoeDesign applications, plus general speed and ease-of-use improvements across the full range.
The main addition to the 2010 version of the LastMaker program is the ability to design a boot leg extension for an existing last. Control planes to modify the shape of the boot may be created up the leg of the last, positioned either by specific measurements or by percentages of the last length. Once the design has been finalised, it is possible to grade the leg height, together with the other areas of the last, and to generate the required machining instructions.
Improvements to the heel height functionality allow the height to be increased or decreased without affecting other parts of the design. If desired, this option can maintain the bottom length measurement of the last.
LastMaker has also been made more capable in the creation of orthopaedic footwear. "A common condition with this type of footwear requires the last design to be curved to match the curvature of the patient’s foot," the company explained. "To accommodate this problem, new functionality has been added which can modify the shape from the bottom mid-section forwards, allowing the last to be bent either inwards or outwards."
The ability has also been included to add an insole block to the bottom of the last, increasing the overall depth of the last for patient’s with different leg lengths. The block can also be edited to include a rocker in and around the ball area to aid the walking process. It is also possible to produce an orthotic shape, using the bottom surface of the last as the template for the orthotic.
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