The 990 Sport features a 3D printed heel.
Sportswear leader New Balance has brought a new pair of sneakers to the market featuring a 3D printed heel component. But don't get too excited, they're already sold out.
Launched last Friday, the 990 Sport is the result of a new platform, TripleCell, which leverages Formlabs’ stereolithography technology and a new proprietary photopolymer called Rebound Resin to create springy, resilient lattice structures with the durability and longevity of injection moulded thermoplastic.
“TripleCell will deliver the industry’s pinnacle expression of data to design with seamless transitions between variable properties underfoot”, says Katherine Petrecca, New Balance General Manager, Innovation Design Studio. “This new, cutting edge, digitally manufactured technology is now scaling exclusively within New Balance factories in the U.S. further establishing us as a leader in 3D printing and domestic manufacturing. Formlabs has been an integral partner to bring this to life. We’re really going to be able to disrupt the industry not only in performance, but also in athlete customisation and speed to market.”
TripleCell leverages Formlabs 3D printing and a new proprietary photopolymer.
New Balance first partnered with Formlabs back in 2017 as the pair announced plans to develop high performance materials, hardware and a new manufacturing process for athletic footwear.
The 990 Sport has been designed to reimagine the classic New Balance silhouette and cushioning with a 10% reduction in weight compared to the 990v5. The 990 Sport is the first product to come from the TripleCell platform and second sneaker design, the FuelCell Echo, set to arrive in September featuring a new forefoot technology. The 990 Sport is being manufactured in the USA at the New Balance Lawrence factory while the FuelCell Echo is being assembled in the USA.
“3D printing is changing how companies approach manufacturing, with this announcement New Balance is pioneering localised manufacturing," said Dávid Lakatos, Chief Product Officer of Formlabs. “By eliminating the dependence on moulds and direct printing for both prototyping and production, their team shifts from months to hours in the development and production cycles. We’re moving towards a world where design cycles are closing in on the whim of the consumer and it’s exciting to be on the frontlines of this with New Balance.”
