Professor Jim Woodburn and Michelle Connolly visit the new project pilot factory at SME orthotic company Peacocks Medical Group Ltd, in Newcastle.

The A-FOOTPRINT project will use state-of-the-art rapid manufacturing, based on high-speed laser sintering, to make novel medical orthotic devices developed by project partners across seven European countries. Project funding has allowed Peacocks to build a new Advanced Orthotic Design and Manufacture Centre which will serve as the project pilot factory.
 
During the site visit in Newcastle, Jim and Michelle were able to inspect the first batch of prototype products designed by the consortium.

As part of the visit to Newcastle, Professor Jim Woodburn presented an overview of the project to approximately 30 professionals including orthotists, podiatrists, engineers and academics as well as the staff of the local gait analysis clinical service at the successful North East Orthotic Network (NEON) meeting, organised by Peacocks.  NEON is an informal multidiscplinary orthotic interest group based in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the North East of England.

This proved a great opportunity to share the potential of the science and technology and engage end users in discussions about the A-FOOTPRINT approach.  The audience was encouraged to give thought to other ways in which new manufacture and design freedom could bring benefit to patients, with a view to exploring further at future meetings.  The audience recognised the potential benefits the project could bring to the clinical environment and there was interest in future involvement.