Independent multi-site measurements of throughput, cycle-time, cost-per-pair, and rework for orthotic printers, CNC mills, and CAD workflows.
Last updated: August 14, 2025 | Sources: Independent time-and-motion study across 24 clinical sites
Patient scan acquisition through CAD file export, including corrections and clinical modifications.
File preparation, machine setup, and active fabrication time (unattended + attended).
Support removal, finishing, quality inspection, and clinical fitting preparation.
Filament, blocks, consumables
Direct + indirect time allocation
Depreciation, maintenance, utilities
Rework, waste, returns
All observers completed 16-hour certification program covering timing protocols, data capture software, and inter-rater reliability testing. Agreement threshold maintained at >95% across all measurement categories.
Custom time-tracking application synchronized across all observer devices, with automatic data validation and cloud backup. All timing events logged to nearest 0.1 seconds with mandatory categorization.
Stratified random sampling by clinic size, equipment type, and operator experience. Each clinic observed for 5 non-consecutive days across 6-month period to capture seasonal and learning curve variations.
Total_Cycle_Time = Scan_Time + CAD_Time + Prep_Time + Fabrication_Time + Finishing_Time
| Scan Time: | 8.5 min |
| CAD Time: | 12.3 min |
| Prep Time: | 4.2 min |
| Fabrication: | 45.0 min |
| Finishing: | 6.8 min |
| Total: | 76.8 min |
| Attended Time: | 31.8 min |
| Unattended Time: | 45.0 min |
| Efficiency Ratio: | 1:1.41 |
Cost_Per_Pair = (Material_Cost + Labor_Cost + Equipment_Cost + Overhead_Cost) / Quality_Factor
Total Cost Per Pair: $31.68 (before quality factor adjustment)
Complete dataset and methodology documentation available for download under Creative Commons license.
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