In the past few years, many shoe giants have begun to switch to 3D printing technology. Although 3D printed shoes have not yet been popularized in shoe stores, due to the design potential and customization possibilities of 3D printed shoes, companies are deeply attracted by this technology. Earlier this year, Nike launched the first 3D printed shoe upper, and New Balance took the lead in launching the first locally available 3D printed shoe on the market. In 2016, Reebok launched the Liquid Speed series of shoes, which uses liquid materials developed by BASF to directly draw a frame on the shoes, which is more convincing and has a very cool appearance.
This technology tradition breaks the traditional mold-based process. The traditional mold process is expensive and time consuming, and it has limited production space. At present, due to the labor-intensive traditional mold process, almost all sports shoes are produced in Asian factories. However, thanks to Reebok's 3D printing technology, Liquid Speed shoes can be made anywhere, including the company's Liquid Factory in Rhode Island, USA.
"The purpose of automation is to reduce production costs and automate it," said Chau Nguyen, marketing manager for BASF's North American footwear project management. "The company does n’t have to sit there and attach the soles, they can do it in 3D, which saves a lot of time.
Reebok has worked with BASF to develop a polyurethane material used to make a unique shoe sole. BASF's urea-based liquid material can be used to draw outsoles combined with shoe laces.
Nguyen says "The material we provide to Reebok has the necessary rheology and reactivity to produce parts without molds. Looking at it is like drawing with ketchup. When you paint with this material, it It has begun to solidify and set. "
Comfort is the key to any shoe (except for formal wear). Especially running shoes, in running shoes, performance largely depends on whether the shoes fit. Nguyen said the Liquid Speed shoes are designed to be safe and comfortable.
"The sole of this design surrounds both sides of the shoe. Usually all materials are combined to bring a full wrap and a clear sense of energy feedback to the foot. He explains:" In this case, the material is attached Fits better on the sides, inside and outside of your feet. "
Nguyen said this shoe was the first to have a high rebound sole. So far, most outsoles have been made of rubber, but polyurethane provides better resilience.
He said: "When you run, a certain amount of energy will flow to the ground, and the designed shoes will absorb energy and feed it back to you, which is why I say he rebounds high."
When the "Liquid Speed shoes" debuted last November, only 300 pairs were produced and sold out within a few hours for $ 189.50 each. Because for the first time, Reebok borrowed other laboratories, the first batch of products was very limited, but now it has opened its own liquid factory laboratory, and there will be more releases in the future. With the help of BASF, Reebok is also developing more footwear products.
Bill McInnis, Reebok's director of future planning, said: "The variety of chemistries provided by Bath-we have different chemistries for cushioning, durability and support-are at the core of design innovation."
Therefore, we must pay close attention to the re-emergence of Liquid Speed in the near future and some new developments of Reebok. As 3D printed shoes become easier and more frequent, the cost will decrease, making them more popular. And compared to some other 3D printed shoes that have been released, Liquid Speed shoes are already relatively cheap. Many other shoes are designed for professional athletes, but Reebok seems to have the hearts of ordinary consumers.