3D technology is transforming traditional trades like farriery. Scanning a horse's hoof allows for the design of custom horseshoes, reducing injuries and improving fit. A clear example is the correction of imbalances: with a 3D scanner, the exact geometry of the foot is obtained, and a shoe is modeled to compensate for deviations, something impossible to achieve with standard pieces.
From scanner to digital anvil: 3D workflow 🔧
The process requires three key tools. First, a handheld 3D scanner like the Revopoint POP 2 or the Einscan-SE to capture the shape of the hoof. Then, modeling software such as Fusion 360 or Rhino 3D to design the shoe with the necessary reliefs and heels. Finally, a metal filament 3D printer, like the Desktop Metal Studio System, to manufacture the piece in steel or aluminum. The farrier only needs to adjust and nail it.
Goodbye to the forge: the farrier becomes a computer expert 💻
Before, the farrier sweated buckets hammering red-hot iron. Now, with a laptop and a scanner, anyone can design a horseshoe while sipping coffee. The downside is that when the horse limps, we no longer blame the blacksmith: now we blame the software. And of course, Windows is always to blame for everything.