In the field of fashion, additive manufacturing has unleashed the creativity and imagination of designers. The shoes produced by additive manufacturing are unique, personalized, detailed, and surprisingly designed. If we are particularly interested in the footwear market, it is clear that 3D printer technology can also play a significant role. Last year, Smartech analysis predicted that the industry will use additive manufacturing to generate more than $6.5 billion in revenue by 2029, with an estimated annual growth rate of 19.5%.
Mass production of Adidas and its 3D printing sneakers
When Adidas decided to use additive manufacturing to make sneakers in 2018, it attracted wide attention in the industry because it soon applied the technology to practice on a large scale, rather than just to make concepts. That year, the sports manufacturer produced 100000 pairs of 3D printed shoes, called futurecraft 4D, using carbon's clip process. Specifically, the outsole structure designed by 3D printing increases the flexibility of movement, and greatly reduces the cost and time of personalized shoe production. In December 2018, Adidas again launched another 3D printing shoe with carbon: alphaedge 4D sneaker.
Liquid speed of Reebok
Reebok is one of the biggest and most recognized companies in the footwear industry. A few years ago, they decided to use additive manufacturing technology to create soles. While the rest of the shoe is made according to traditional methods, liquid speed combines the sole with maximum adjustability. Reebok works with chemical company BASF, which uses liquid polyurethane. They designed a robot to create continuous layers and give life to the sole. In addition to providing better performance and durability, liquid speed has a very original design.
New balance combines 3D midsole
In the same production line, new balance has developed a 3D printing midsole in cooperation with 3D systems. Duraform flex is the sole made of thermoplastic elastomer material by SLS technology. They combine strength and flexibility and provide maximum comfort for sneakers. 3D printing technology makes it possible to produce complex structures that optimize shock absorption while making shoes lighter. Since then, the U.S. brand has worked with formlabs and its stereolithography technology to develop the triple cell platform, especially to produce the fuelcell echo.
Prevolve shoes full 3D printing
Prevolve was founded around barefoot movement to provide minimalist shoes that allow your feet to move naturally, providing power for the human body. The Seattle based company uses biofusion technology to create 3D printed shoes that are fully personalized with flexible materials. After collecting foot data, the company can create 3D models of shoes and send them to 3D printers to make shoes with a sole thickness of between 7 and 14 mm, depending on the level of depreciation required and necessary. These shoes are also recyclable, can be produced on demand, and have the advantage of reducing waste. Its designers claim that these 3D printed shoes are very comfortable because they can be personalized at the foot of people: 3D files are generated from scanned data.
New balance combines 3D midsole
In the same production line, new balance has developed a 3D printing midsole in cooperation with 3D systems. Duraform flex is the sole made of thermoplastic elastomer material by SLS technology. They combine strength and flexibility and provide maximum comfort for sneakers. 3D printing technology makes it possible to produce complex structures that optimize shock absorption while making shoes lighter. Since then, the U.S. brand has worked with formlabs and its stereolithography technology to develop the triple cell platform, especially to produce the fuelcell echo.
Prevolve shoes full 3D printing
Prevolve was founded around barefoot movement to provide minimalist shoes that allow your feet to move naturally, providing power for the human body. The Seattle based company uses biofusion technology to create 3D printed shoes that are fully personalized with flexible materials. After collecting foot data, the company can create 3D models of shoes and send them to 3D printers to make shoes with a sole thickness of between 7 and 14 mm, depending on the level of depreciation required and necessary. These shoes are also recyclable, can be produced on demand, and have the advantage of reducing waste. Its designers claim that these 3D printed shoes are very comfortable because they can be personalized at the foot of people: 3D files are generated from scanned data.
Shoes printed by Native Shoes 3D
Native shoes, a Canadian manufacturer, has launched the liquid printed Nations project, which aims to develop everyday items using advanced methods such as additive manufacturing. In this case, the company uses liquid rubber for 3D printing shoes. The manufacturer says it uses 50% recycled vinyl acetate (EVA) for greater flexibility and a more rubbery appearance. What stands out from the native shoes project is production speed, the company explained that 3D technology can greatly reduce manufacturing time compared with traditional methods, and they also provide consumers with a high degree of personalization.
Concepts inspired by nature
Iris van Herpen is undoubtedly one of the most famous 3D printing designers: she was one of the first to use additive manufacturing to design the entire range from clothes to shoes. Today, we are interested in products created in collaboration with REM D Koolhaas, founder of the United nude brand. At Paris fashion week, designers imagined shoes made entirely of 3D printing technology, inspired by a tree called banyan tree. These shoes, of course, are only worn in this high fashion background. They are made on STRATASYS's polyjet 3D printer and have different colors.
Sources from: https://creality3dpro.store/blogs/news