Scientists with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization may have developed the next step in the evolution of shoeing for racehorses.

According to a report by Australian public broadcaster Australia Network News, CSIRO has utilized three-dimensional modelling software to scan, design and print customized titanium shoes for race horses.

The report explains that a set of four shoes can be printed in 24 hours and the cost rings in at roughly $600.

The process builds pieces of the shoe up “layer by layer, rather than cutting them from a block,” says John Barnes, a titanium expert with CSIRO.

The article states that a racehorse trained by John Moloney undertook the process for a new set of shoes.

"These titanium shoes could take up to half of the weight off a traditional aluminum shoe, which means a horse could travel at new speeds,” said Moloney, who added, "Naturally, we're very excited at the prospect of improved performance from these shoes."

(With files from Australia Network News)