<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2002-10_09/Marich,-Ken-PE.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> Utilization of Amfit's patented electronic 3D scanner and precision CAD/CAM carving mill provide an automated method for making high-quality custom orthoses. We have found that this system yields high patient acceptance, improved cost efficiencies, and increased profitability. The Footfax scanner idea was born in a garage in Silicon Valley in the mid-1970s. Tony Tadin, founder of Amfit, was part of the team that invented the computerized wheel balancer now used worldwide in the automobile industry. Having foot problems himself, he refocused his efforts on the human body and applied the principles of tire balancing to the need for human alignment and balance. His efforts resulted in the development of the Footfax contact scanner. <img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2002-10_09/Amfit-Mill-on-Stand-4311.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> The current model, Footfax-SL, is a fully portable foot measurement system. The SL's contact digitizer design, consisting of a unique array of sensors, supports the foot and results in soft tissue deflection during measurement. This sensitivity to surface hardness is not duplicated by any other scanning technology. It can also utilize mechanical or software adjustments of the foot. Mechanical adjustments are a unique feature of Amfit's patented Footfax scanner. The scanner allows the practitioner to place appliances, such as pads or wedges, under the foot while measurements are made, and then captures a corrected weight-bearing contour. An accurate patient-specific digital foot file is created, thus eliminating the need for plaster or foam. The file is transferred to Amfit's precision CAD/CAM carving mill for fabrication of custom foot orthoses. The Amfit Carving Mill requires only 21 in. x 31 in. of floor space and will machine a custom orthotic with a size range of 5-17 in six to nine minutes. Both accommodative and functional custom orthoses can be carved onsite or fabricated at Amfit's Central Orthotic Laboratory, Santa Clara, California. <img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2002-10_09/AMFIT-SL-upperleft3.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> Amfit also offers a dynamic foam casting system, the Footprinter™, as a low-cost introduction to Amfit's custom orthotic services. Foot impressions are taken in Amfit's patented foam kits and computer-scanned at Amfit to produce digital foot files. The foot files can be modified and reviewed before CAD/CAM machining of the custom orthoses. Many Amfit customers start with the Footprinter technique and purchase the automated Footfax scanner when their revenue justifies the expenditure. <h2>Education: Key to Optimal Use</h2> Key to optimizing the use of powerful, computer-based devices is education and training. Amfit has developed a nationwide education program that supports all aspects of using the automated Footfax system for the design and fabrication of custom foot orthoses. In 1999, Amfit established an Accredited Education Program and opened the Amfit Education Center in Santa Clara. To date, over 24 seminars and workshops accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) and the Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP) have been held in the training center. Attendees include O&P professionals, pedorthists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, podiatrists, and chiropractors. <img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2002-10_09/Amfit-graphite02larger.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> These seminars are now being offered throughout the United States. Onsite customer training is provided by members of the Amfit Clinical Trainers (ACT) team, who are all certified orthotists or pedorthists and spend eight to twelve hours with new customers. The company has two divisions, Amfit®, servicing the medical market and ArchCrafters®, the retail market. For more information, visit <a href="https://opedge.com/2672">www.amfit.com</a>
