by: TU delft news, 2015-10-27 11:59:00 UTC
A relatively new development in 3D printing is the addition of a fourth dimension: time. Students at TU Delft used this fourth dimension to print a product with origami-like characteristics that changes over time. They did this by using a 3D printer to print a form on a fabric substrate that is held under tension. Along with eight other projects, including a 3D-printed bicycle frame made of rust-resistant steel and 3D models of heart defects that are used to aid doctor-patient consultations,...
We got to step into the future last week. Literally. For the future of footwear will undoubtedly belong to 3D printed shoes, as previewed by adidas with their first attempt at custom fit 3D printed footwear: Futurecraft 3D.
The Futurecraft 3D was born out of a simple challenge within adidas: “create a world-first footwear product using the latest in 3D printing”. Made in partnership with 3D printing specialists, Materialise, the prototype is the first of the company’s ‘Futurecraft series’, a exploratory skunkworks initiative within the adidas formed to formulate novel solutions for fit and performance.
From Eric Liedtke, Executive Board Member of adidas AG:
Futurecraft 3D is a prototype and a statement of intent. We have used a one-of-its-kind combination of process and material in an entirely new way. Our 3D-printed midsole not only allows us to make a great running shoe, but also to use performance data to drive truly bespoke experiences, meeting the needs of any athlete.
adidas and Materialise turned to modified thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a material known for durable elasticity, high tear strength, and abrasion resistance for 3D printing their innovative latticed work sole. Laser sintering – where a laser is used to seal powder together into a 3D object – allowed their team a quick two week turnaround from prototyping to actual model on feet for testing. The resulting sole is intricate, yet airy.
adidas Footwear Development Manager Daniel Cocking notes the technology isn’t just an end to itself, with the footwear company envisioning the 3D printed technology becoming the possible foundation for something more fitting of the future: “Now that we had the prototype, we started to dream big. We all have different foot shapes, and we all have different running gaits. This makes buying a running shoe a tricky journey. By harnessing 3D printing technology, the ultimate goal of true product customization is closer than ever before. It’s a promise of a fast approaching revolutionary in-store experience, where your style of running could be analyzed and used to create a perfectly tailored functional product.”
The dream is to one day have customers step onto a treadmill and have their gait analyzed and a carbon copy 3D footscan of the runner’s own footprint reproduced accordingly.
The crosshatch of slightly off-white TPU of the 3D printed midsole evoking some semblance to that of an athletic-minded Matthew Barney piece.
Design Milk was a recipient of one of the first 100 “printed” prototypes to try out.
So how do these future-crafted running shoes prototypes actually feel? The upper is supportive and snug, with a surprisingly stiff midsole revealing itself while at a standstill. The responsive nature of the TPU material only becomes evident itself only in movement, with a cushioned foot strike more on the stiffer end of the spectrum felt during short sprints. Our preview pair – prototypes – were not custom fit for my size 9 feet, but felt lightweight and ready for mileage, satisfyingly familiar to many of the previous adidas running shoes I’ve run in. Admittedly, considering the limited production and preliminary design of these shoes, I didn’t put heavy mileage on them (yet).
I can only hope one day soon we’ll all be running in shoes where 3D printing eliminates concerns about fit, support, and pressure points. The adidas Futurecraft 3D is definitely a promising start.
by: Fraunhofer Research News, 2015-10-01 07:00:00 UTC
Silicon wafers are the heart of solar cells. However, manufacturing them is not cheap. Over 50 percent of the pure silicon used is machined into dust. A new manufacturing technique developed by Fraunhofer researchers puts an end to these material losses, with raw material savings of 50 percent along with an 80 percent reduction in energy costs.
by: Fraunhofer Research News, 2015-10-01 07:00:00 UTC
Quantum dots have made it possible to substantially increase color quality in LCD displays. However, these cadmium-based nanocrystals have proven to be harmful to the environment. Fraunhofer researchers are working together with an industry partner to develop a promising alternative: quantum dots based on indium phosphide.
London design studio Layer believes we should be just as worried as our carbon footprints as we are about how many steps we’ve taken – already sufficiently gathered by a myriad of existing fitness wearbles. Their Worldbeing concept is envisioned as a partnership between a data-gathering wrist band device and an accompanying connected app to provide instant feedback about daily habits, all with the goal of improving choices made in accordance to healthier environmental practices.
The form factor is undeniable similar to the Nike FuelBand, even sharing the competitive challenge-based social community UX. Energy use, transportation choices, and consumption habits are all factored into a formula, returning back personal metrics to use in comparison to personal, local, and global targets. Instead of working toward a healthier “me”, Layer’s Worldbeing is envisioned as an environmental health tool for the global “we”.
The Worldbeing concept is pioneering an innovative technological approach to make reducing your personal carbon footprint both engaging and social. This app has the potential to increase understanding and stimulate action by intuitively communicating and linking our daily activities and decisions to their impacts on the climate. – Aleyn Smith-Gillespie, associate director Carbon Trust
Layer recognizes behavioral monitoring devices are most effective when used passively, without too much user required input.
The Worldbeing is supported by the Carbon Trust, an organization that helps consumers track carbon usage and empower environmental responsibility.
It’s foreseeable this sort of monitoring technology will be incorporated into future iterations of the Apple Watch or Android wearables rather than a standalone. For further details and contact, check out the Worldbeing concept page.
by: TreeHugger Design, 2015-10-16 17:53:33 UTC
Besides looking lovely, all proceeds from this lamp will go to a project that is developing electricity-free lighting that is inspired by nature.
by: Design 4 Sustainability, 2015-10-27 07:41:10 UTC
Winner of the 2015 Green Challenge Life Line Company wins with COCOON, a planting support for reforestation of deserts
The purpose of the COCOON ...
by: Design 4 Sustainability, 2015-10-12 11:26:39 UTC
The Groundgridge is keeping your food stored chilly without using a refrigerator and thus without using energy. Based on an age-old principle, the ...
It's becoming easier to do so as the rules change and the toilets get better.
A new article by Martin Holladay questions a whole truckload of accepted wisdom
Besides looking lovely, all proceeds from this lamp will go to a project that is developing electricity-free lighting that is inspired by nature.
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