In-office vs central fabrication for orthotics represents a strategic decision affecting patient care, profitability, and practice efficiency. In-office production offers same-day delivery, higher margins ($200-400 vs $80-125), and complete quality control for practices producing 15+ pairs monthly, while central fabrication suits lower-volume practices without equipment investment requirements.
Complete control over the orthotic production process from scan to delivery, with same-day turnaround and maximum profit margins.
Outsourced production through specialized labs, ideal for practices with lower orthotic volumes or limited space.
In-office production is ideal for practices producing 15+ pairs monthly, offering same-day delivery, higher margins ($200-400 vs $75-150), and complete quality control. Central fabrication works better for lower volumes (under 15 monthly) where equipment investment isn't justified.
In-office production costs $15-25 per pair after equipment ROI, while central fabrication costs $75-150 per pair. Break-even typically occurs at 15-20 pairs monthly. Higher-volume practices see significant cost savings with in-office production.
In-office production delivers orthotics same-day or next-day versus 7-14 days for central fabrication. This speed advantage improves patient satisfaction, reduces follow-up visits, and enables immediate fitting adjustments.
Complete in-office setup requires $35,000-$85,000 including 3D scanner, CAD software, and manufacturing equipment (3D printer or CNC mill). Most practices see ROI within 12-18 months at 20+ pairs monthly production.
Let us analyze your practice volume and calculate your specific ROI potential.