3D Printed shoes

Introduction
Production and customization, along with the explosive adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) in
prototyping and mold production, will be the key factors driving 3D printed footwear for the foreseeable
future.
3D-printed footwear could become one of the largest segments in consumer products 3D printing.
This evolution will primarily be driven by key trends: 
 
1. The growing consumer demand for sports;
2. More comfort product
3. Long life span and durability
4. An increased focus on digital manufacturing
5. Possibilities of digital fabrication (3D printing) for the personalization

 
 Why 3D printed shoes?

• Unlike traditional manufacturing processes, 3D printing doesn’t require additional tooling to

create a part.
• It is gateway to new designs and customization of midsoles, insoles and uppers.
• Mid soles with lattice structure
• To provide greater performance and durability
• Optimized shock absorption while making the shoe lighter
• To provide right amount of cushioning and comfort
• A design enables the upper to be lighter and more breathable
 How can we print the shoes?

• The most common group of 3D printing technologies used in footwear production

today is vat photopolymerization
• By applying liquid resin layer by layer and by using flexible and springy material like
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and silicone
• By a new proprietary photopolymer resin, Rebound Resin, which is designed to create
springy and strong lattice structures
• The uppers can also be created by SDM process where TPU is melted down and
made into thin layers
• We can make a single upper by using about seven water bottles, which are shredded
into flakes and then melted down then fed into 3D printer
 Creating a digital model

• Companies use 3D scanner to scan the foot. 

• Based on scan, designer designs the mid
soles and insoles according to customer’s
need and comfort
• The design is then finalized and printed by
3D printer