The 3D printing specialist will also strengthen its strategic partnership with Superfeet to accelerate the distribution of RSscan's intelligent foot measurement solutions and Phits insoles in North America.

Materialise already owns 50 percent of RS Print, the owner of the Phits insole line, and will now acquire the remaining shares of the company from its partner Superfeet. The 3D printing provider will also acquire a significant portion of the assets of Superfeet's RSscan, a pioneer and market leader in the development and supply of intelligent foot measurement technology and systems. By combining the RSPrint and RSscan technology under one roof, Materialise aims to advance its research and product development in the field of individualized insoles. It also aims to build a more comprehensive software suite of solutions for orthotists and sports physiologists and their customers.

The acquisition combines Materialise's 30 years of experience in additive manufacturing, particularly in the healthcare sector, with the extensive experience of the RSPrint and RSscan teams in developing personalized foot support solutions. The 3D printing provider gains an experienced research and development team that conducts advanced research in foot measurement, analysis and correction. The acquisition also expands Materialise's scanning and analysis technology to include RSscan's laboratory with its advanced 3D motion tracking, gait analysis, finite element analysis and complementary testing equipment.

Strategic partnership

In addition to the acquisition, Materialise also announced a strengthening of its strategic partnership with Superfeet through a new collaboration. The partnership builds on Superfeet's reputation and marketing network in the insole market, particularly in North America, and aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the foot care industry. Superfeet has committed to working with RS Print's existing distribution partner, GO4D, to drive the installation of pressure plate measurement systems in North America to expand its point-of-care network in the US.