Supplier of CAD/CAM systems to the footwear industry Delcam has acquired specialist software supplier Crispin Systems Ltd, which has a strong presence in the Far East, with existing customers expanding their use of technology and large new factories being opened. The acquisition is expected to add approximately 2,000 customers to Delcam’s customer base, particularly in the sports shoe sector.

Crispin has provided software for the design and manufacture of lasts, uppers and soles for 20 years and recently added a new range of systems for orthopaedic applications.

Formed in 1986 as the Crispin Systems Division of the USM group of companies, (then Texon) it became an independent entity in December 2003.

The company’s software covers the key stages in footwear product development, including the capture of CAD data for lasts from physical models, the creation of 3D shoe designs and the production of 2D patterns. The new orthopaedic range consists of products for 3D scanning of feet, the modification of orthopaedic lasts from a scanned foot template, 3D design creation, 3D style line engineering, advanced flattening from 3D to 2D and 2D pattern engineering.