Pengpai News Reporter Wang XinxinHow far are we from a scenario where sneaker customization and manufacturing are completed using 3D printing technology, with 100% recyclability of the printed materials?On October 17, local time, at the 2019 K Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (600309, hereinafter referred to as “Wanhua Chemical”) launched the world’s first fully 3D printed shoe material solution. Based on this solution, Wanhua Chemical and Peak Sports showcased the new 3D printed sports shoe “The Next” at the K Fair.
Wanhua Chemical and Peak Sports showcased the new 3D printed sports shoe “The Next” at the K Fair.Pengpai News Reporter Wang Xinxin PhotoAccording to Wanhua Chemical, this solution integrates a full range of materials including high-quality, highly flexible WANFAB® TPU filaments, WANFAB® TPU powders, WANFAB® eco-friendly coatings, and Adwel® water-based adhesive emulsions, providing comprehensive 3D printing services.It is worth mentioning that the 3D printing material launched by Wanhua Chemical in this solution—WANFAB® TPU material—contains no plasticizers and has multiple environmental certifications including FDA, CE, and RoHS, enabling 100% recyclability and reuse. This means that when the sneakers wear out, consumers can choose to recycle them by returning them to retailers for disassembly, achieving 100% recovery of the shoe materials, thus completing a second round of customized 3D printing manufacturing, which not only brings about a circular economy effect but also achieves “zero harm” to the environment.In the past, 3D printing technology for sneakers was typically only applied to the printing of the soles. With the development of material science and the continuous enrichment of material types, a comprehensive material solution for whole shoe manufacturing has become a forward-looking trend for 3D printed sneakers at the K Fair.Hua Weiqi, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd., stated at the press conference that through collaboration with 3D printing equipment manufacturers and service providers, Wanhua Chemical has optimized the performance of TPU filaments and powders in this solution, which can meet the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology used for printing the shoe upper and the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology used for the midsole, supporting high-quality 3D printing of the shoe upper and midsole manufacturing.Through collaboration with Peak Sports, Wanhua Chemical has gained insights into design and consumer needs from the source, leveraging the synergistic effects between different materials to successfully integrate 3D printed uppers, midsoles, and supporting technologies and services into a single pair of 3D printed sports shoes.The comprehensive material characteristics not only expand the application of 3D printing technology in the sneaker manufacturing industry but also provide multiple customization options. Based on their own athletic characteristics, consumers can achieve personalized customization of sneakers by selecting the hardness, color, diameter, and functions of the 3D printing materials.This issue’s intern editor Chang ChenRecommended Reading
