Huntsman Polyurethanes' unique shoemaking materials are at the heart of innovative footwear manufacturing methods that have the potential to change the way footwear is produced globally. Spanish company SimplicityWorks and Huntsman Polyurethanes Ltd. and Deshima ( DESMA) has partnered with Shoemaker to create the biggest change in the field of footwear assembly in the past 40 years, developing a revolutionary new footwear production method that provides a change game for manufacturers who want to produce products closer to European and North American customers. The possibility of rules. In cooperation, the three companies created a highly automated, cost-effective way to glue two-dimensional components together to form a seamless three-dimensional upper.
Simplicity Works' patented 3D bonding technology is the world's first technology. This process requires no sewing and takes less time, and it takes only a few seconds to connect all the parts of the shoe at the same time. Compared with traditional shoe-making technology, this new Technology is faster, cheaper, and can be tailored to demand. It has proven to be popular in many big-brand footwear companies because it helps them keep local production costs consistent with countries with low labor costs.
This 3D bonding technology uses the innovative 3D mold design created by Simplicity Works; injectable materials specifically designed by Huntsman Polyurethanes; and the most advanced DESMA injection molding machine. In the first step, a single The upper assembly is placed in the mold and placed in a slot separated by a narrow slit channel, a bit like putting the puzzle together. After that, use the counter-mold to press each part into place. Then use Huntsman developed High-performance polyurethane material is injected into the channel network between the upper components. The end result is the upper, which is fixed together by elastic polyurethane structure, which is both practical and fashionable. In order to obtain a high-quality polyurethane foam structure, durable shoes are formed. Surface, and high-definition texture, Simplicity Works and Huntsman have extensively researched new processes and materials. Available in a variety of colors, the texture of bonded polyurethane threads (or linear) can be varied This means that the designer can choose a lustrous or matt texture and combine it with a variety of other similar textile surface finishes.
3D bonding technology is suitable for a wide range of footwear manufacturing, compatible with a wide range of synthetic and natural materials, making footwear manufacturing outside of countries with low labor costs more cost-competitive. Since no seams are required, the entire production process The labor intensity is lower, the production cost is reduced. Since there is no material superimposed part, the material consumption is reduced, and the material cost is reduced. From the consumer's point of view, this technology has other advantages. The shoe has no knitting or sewing thread, no material. The cuffs, the friction points and pressure points are smaller, and they look more like a pair of socks. Because there are no pinholes or permeable seam lines, the shoes are also more waterproof.
The launch of Simplicity Works' 3D bonding process has brought the three partners to their peak in six years, and they are fully confident that this technology can subvert the traditional way of footwear production. Simplicity Works CEO and 3D bonding technology Inventor Adrian Hernandez said: 'I have worked in the footwear industry for 25 years and have worked in different countries and continents, so I am very familiar with the complexity of traditional footwear production. Six years ago, I realized that there is a simplified shoe. Method of manufacturing. I hope to be able to correct the geographical balance of the footwear industry in terms of labor costs, so I came up with a new process that can make footwear production in North America and Europe more cost-effective, while also increasing consumer Comfort. I took my patent concept and started looking for a partner to make my vision a reality; this led to our collaboration with Huntsman and DESMA.'
He continued: 'In the past six years, our three teams have worked closely together to bring together their expertise and expertise to create a process that has the potential to transform the footwear industry. The timing is perfect. Currently, An estimated 80% of European footwear imports come from low-cost labor countries. Faced with rising costs in these regions, many footwear companies are looking to transfer production back to Europe and North America. Our 3D bonding technology enables them to do this. One point is to create shoes that are more economical than those made in Asia, and this has not taken into account the savings in transportation costs.'
Johan van Dyck, global OEM business development manager for Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: 'Simplicity Works is very demanding, but we like to challenge! They want us to develop a reactive, injectable polyurethane system that requires excellent adhesion. Performance and high product flow. The material must also provide comfort and cushioning, as well as superb finishing aesthetics. With our many years of experience, we set out to develop the right technology. This is a long process that needs to be carried out Various improvements, but we now have a revolutionary technology platform that can be bonded on one or both sides. Our work in this project allows us to expand our long-term relationship with DESMA, and A new alliance with Simplicity Works - Simplicity Works is a corporate team dedicated to changing the future of footwear manufacturing.'
Christian Decker, CEO of DESMA, said: 'We are the global technology leader in the footwear industry and have been providing manufacturers with advanced machinery and molds for more than 70 years. Intelligent, innovative, sustainable, automated footwear production The principle is the core of our business, which makes us a natural partner of Simplicity Works. We are very happy to be involved in this project, working with the Simplicity Works and Huntsman Polyurethane team to provide a footwear industry with a workforce. A more costly way to manufacture high-end footwear in a more economical way. '
Simplicity Works' 3D bonding technology is very flexible, which means that footwear manufacturers can choose to use it as the primary joining technology or combine it with traditional stitching methods for functional or decorative purposes. Simplicity Works has Its technology patents, engineers use CAD software to design products for customers. Once the product design is complete, Simplicity Works will develop all the tools and molds needed for footwear production. Then transfer this proprietary technology to the manufacturer, and with Heng Sima and Deshima collaborate to determine mechanical and polyurethane specifications. 3D bonding technology can significantly reduce production costs, Simplicity Works charges a certain percentage of technical usage costs, DESMA provides all necessary mechanical and automation systems, Simai offers the best polyurethane materials for production with 3D bonding technology. '
Simplicity Works' 3D bonding technology, with its incredible versatility, is likely to add value outside the footwear industry, and the company is exploring opportunities to make apparel, accessories and even furniture using this versatile manufacturing method.