3D printed ski boot prototype.
Joining more than 2,560 exhibitors at the ISPO Munich sporting event, a 3D printed ski boot prototype took home the award in the Ski product category signalling a new chapter for 3D printed wearables in the sporting industry.
Made using a SLS process from CRP Technology, the EasyStand ski boot was created entirely from Windform SP, a polyamide-based material reinforced with carbon fibres. Developed by CRP Technology, Windform SP is a highly supple material and can be used to absorb mechanical stresses without risk of breaking, which makes it particularly useful in the field of motorsports and aerospace where high resistance is required. Compared to other 3D printing materials, Windform SP can maintain its relevant characteristics even at low temperature and for ski products this feature is very relevant.
The design consists of three different ski boot insoles, each one higher in the front compared to the rear part to guarantee a much better fitting of the heel enabling the skier to experience more pressure for the initiation of turns, better grip and safer skiing. The ski boot has a split insole and an integrated wedge. The wedge is connected with a regulator by a stick. By adjusting the regulator it is possible to change the wedge into three different positions and so also changing the height of the foot in the boot.
EasyStand ski boot inventor, Mr Franz Egger said: “With the innovation EasyStand I wanted to find successful solutions for the manufacturer, for the sporting goods dealer and for the skier. My main aim is to bring back more skiers on the slopes.”
Prototype 3D printed in Windform SP material.
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