The Business of Manufacturing Podcast

The Future of Footwear: In-Clinic 3D Printed Orthotics

This review interview features Dr. Antonin Berube discussing Platform 3, an innovative 3D printing software and hardware workflow designed for podiatry clinics to manufacture custom orthotics on-site. The system streamlines the production process by allowing staff to scan a patient's foot using an iPad, customize the prescription through a web-based app, and send the design to a fully automated printer equipped with a conveyor belt. Berube explains that this technology significantly reduces costs to approximately $20 to $25 per pair while slashing traditional multi-week wait times to just a few hours. Practitioners can easily modify designs, reprint orders with one click, and even adjust the physical orthotic using traditional grinding or heat tools. Ultimately, the source highlights how in-office 3D printing serves as a powerful marketing tool and a practical solution for providing high-quality, personalized patient care with minimal technical effort.
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2026 Canadian Housing and Mortgage Market Outlook

The podcast sources offer a comprehensive outlook on the 2026 Canadian housing market, characterized by a prolonged correction and price stabilization roughly 20% below previous peaks. Reports indicate that the Bank of Canada is maintaining a cautious stance, prioritizing inflation control over real estate recovery while keeping the policy rate at 2.25%. A significant mortgage renewal wave is expected to impact 60% of homeowners, with many facing substantial payment increases of up to 20%. Despite these pressures, analysts suggest that rising household incomes and stringent stress-testing may prevent a systemic financial collapse. Experts emphasize that structural economic shifts, including restricted immigration and trade volatility, will require years of adjustment. Ultimately, the central bank’s evolving strategy signals that interest rate relief will not be used to boost housing affordability if it risks reigniting inflation.
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Bank of Canada 2026 Policy Rate Projections and Economic Outlook

Our sources provide a comprehensive analysis of the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy trajectory from 2024 through 2026. After a period of aggressive hikes to combat inflation, the central bank initiated a series of rate cuts in mid-2024, lowering the benchmark rate to 4.5% by July of that year. Financial experts from institutions like RBC and TD suggest that while some easing occurred, borrowing costs are expected to remain stable at approximately 2.25% through 2026. This prolonged pause is attributed to a complex economic environment defined by persistent core inflation, soft labor markets, and global trade uncertainties. The documentation also highlights the practical implications for mortgage holders and investors, noting that while variable rates may offer some relief, households should prepare for a lasting era of elevated interest. Collectively, the reports emphasize a shift from emergency stimulus toward a restrictive but steady policy aimed at achieving long-term price stability.
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The Clear Aligner Revolution and the Digital Orthodontic Ecosystem

The orthodontic industry is experiencing a significant technological shift as patients move away from traditional metal braces toward clear aligner systems. This market is expected to see substantial financial growth by 2035, driven by innovations in 3D printing and specialized material science. Companies in this sector operate by creating fully customized medical devices through sophisticated digital software and high-volume manufacturing processes. Currently, these businesses primarily utilize a B2B model, partnering directly with dental professionals to deliver treatment. To support this digital transition, providers like Proto3000 Dental offer the necessary scanning and workflow tools to modernize clinical practices. This evolution reflects a broader integration of biotechnology and digital automation within the dental field.
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Fitasy and the Architecture of Inclusive Footwear

The custom-fit footwear brand Fitasy has revolutionized its manufacturing platform by allowing customers to purchase individual 3D-printed shoes for half the price of a pair. Utilizing smartphone scanning and spatial AI, the company creates footwear tailored to the exact biometric data of a person's foot, eliminating the need for traditional standardized sizing. This innovation specifically addresses the needs of prosthetic users and individuals with foot asymmetries, moving beyond the industry's historical reliance on symmetrical mass production. While other major brands like Nike and Lore Cycle use similar technology for performance optimization, Fitasy distinguishes itself by focusing on genuine inclusivity through its single-shoe model. This shift was largely inspired by the advocacy of Paralympian Stef Reid, who has long campaigned for more flexible purchasing options. Ultimately, the company aims to make personalized, on-demand footwear a scalable reality that accounts for the diverse mechanical structures of human feet.
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Tailoring Biomechanics: 3D Printing in Veterinary Care

The emerging field of veterinary prosthetics is undergoing a transformation as 3D printing technology moves beyond traditional human medical models to address the unique needs of animals. Because animal anatomy and biomechanics differ significantly from humans—featuring complex joint angles and varying ground forces—specialized advisors are now essential to bridge the gap between design and biological function. While technical hurdles like scanning uncooperative patients and managing fur interference persist, additive manufacturing allows for the creation of highly customized, lightweight devices tailored to specific species. These innovations enable practitioners to develop complex geometries for a diverse range of animals that traditional manufacturing methods cannot produce. Ultimately, the industry is shifting toward a collaborative approach that prioritizes the specific behavioral and physical requirements of pets over standardized human protocols. Success in this discipline depends on utilizing advanced materials that can withstand harsh environments without the benefit of protective footwear.
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