In the past few years, many shoe giants have turned to 3D printing technology. Although 3D printing shoes have not yet been popularized in shoe stores, due to the design potential and customization possibilities of 3D printing shoes, the company is deeply influenced by this technology. Attracting. Earlier this year, Nike launched its first 3D printed upper, while New Balance pioneered the first commercially available 3D printed shoes. In 2016, Reebok launched the Liquid Speed collection. Using a liquid material developed by BASF, draw a frame directly on the shoe, more docile, and the appearance is very cool.
This technology tradition breaks the traditional mold-based process. The traditional mold process is expensive and time consuming, and limits the origin. Currently, because traditional mold processes are labor intensive, almost all sports shoes are in Asia. Factory-produced. However, thanks to Reebok's 3D printing technology, the Liquid Speed series of shoes can be made anywhere, including the company's Liquid Factory in Rhode Island, USA.
'The goal of automation is to shorten production costs and automate it,' said Chau Nguyen, marketing department manager for BASF's North American footwear project management. 'The company doesn't have to sit there and attach the soles, they can do it in 3D. This saves a lot of time.
Reebok has worked with BASF to develop a polyurethane material for a unique sole. BASF's urea-based liquid material can be drawn to the shoelace Outsole together.
Nguyen said, 'The material we provide to Reebok has the necessary rheology and reactivity to produce parts that do not use molds. Looking at it is like painting with ketchup. When you paint with this material, it It has begun to solidify and solidify. '
Comfort is the key to any shoe (except for dress shoes). Especially for running shoes, in running shoes, the performance depends largely on whether the shoes fit. Nguyen says that the Liquid Speed shoes are designed to be safe and comfortable.
'The soles of this design are wrapped around the sides of the shoe. Usually all the materials are combined to give the foot a full wrap and a clear sense of energy feedback. He explained: 'In this case, the material is attached On both sides of your feet, inside and outside, fit more. '
Nguyen said the shoe was the first to have a high-rebound sole. So far, most outsoles are made of rubber, but polyurethane provides better rebound.
He said: 'When you run, a certain amount of energy will flow to the ground, the shoes will absorb energy and give you feedback, which is why I said he rebounded high.
Last November, when the 'Liquid Speed Shoes' debuted, it only produced 300 pairs and sold out for $189.50 per pair in a few hours. For the first time, Reebok borrowed other laboratories, A batch of products is very limited, but now it has opened its own liquid factory laboratory, there will be more releases in the future. With the help of BASF, Reebok is also developing more footwear products.
Bill McInnis, head of future plans at Reebok, said: 'The various chemical materials that Bath offers – we have different chemical materials to cushion, durability and support – are at the heart of design innovation.'
Therefore, pay close attention to the re-emergence of Liquid Speed in the near future, as well as some new developments of Reebok. As 3D printed shoes are made easier and more frequent, the cost will also decrease, making them more popular. Liquid Speed shoes are relatively cheap compared to some 3D printed shoes that have already been released. Many other shoes are designed for professional athletes, but Reebok seems to have the hearts of ordinary consumers.