# Why AM and Orthotics & Prosthetics are the Perfect Fit

- Show: [Additive Snack](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack)
- Published: 2026-07-14
- Length: 1h 14m
- Episode: 36
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/998c9a1c

## Summary

Brent Wright, VP at EastPoint Prosthetics and co-founder of Life Enabled, explains how additive manufacturing is transforming orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) by replacing hazardous, non-digital traditional workflows with scalable, data-driven digital processes. He details the shift from plaster casting and carbon fiber layups to pressure casting, 3D scanning, and SLS printing with materials like PK5000 to create flexible sockets that heal wounds and improve comfort. Wright discusses the challenges of scaling care in developing regions like Guatemala through local manufacturing and modular kits, while noting that reimbursement barriers in the US limit the adoption of advanced sensors and actuators.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=6) Introduction: Brent Wright and EastPoint Prosthetics
- [2:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=121) Brent's Origin Story and Career Path
- [9:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=555) The Shift from Anti-Digital to Digital O&P
- [9:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=571) Scaling Global Access via Life Enabled
- [17:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=1038) Traditional O&P Workflow and Hazards
- [24:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=1440) Digital Workflow: Scanning and Pressure Casting
- [31:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=1914) Benefits of Digital Records and Flexible Liners
- [33:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=2004) RADii Data Meets Clinical Craft
- [39:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=2387) Life Enabled's Hybrid Manufacturing Model
- [46:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit#t=2766) Democratizing Access and Future Tech

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- EastPoint Prosthetics (company)
- Life Enabled (company)
- EOS (company)
- PK5000 (material)
- RADii (company)
- AirFit system (product)
- Insignia (product)
- HP (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [42. World's Most Advanced Prosthetics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-11-02-42-worlds-most-advanced-prosthetics) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [21. AI Rescues Firefighters, NASA Prints Spacecraft Parts, Plug & Play Prosthetics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-06-08-21-ai-rescues-firefighters-nasa-prints-spacecraft-parts-plug-play-prosthetics) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [Ray Fikes | Prosthetics and Hacking 3D Printers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2023-05-19-ray-fikes-prosthetics-and-hacking-3d-printers) (Being an Engineer)
- [Scott Summit | Industrial Design, 3D Printing, & Life-Changing Products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-12-02-scott-summit-industrial-design-3d-printing-life-changing-products) (Being an Engineer)
- [Building an On-Demand Supply Chain in America's Urban Core w/ Elias Stahl](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-12-19-building-an-on-demand-supply-chain-in-americas-urban-core-w-elias-stahl) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Additive Snack.