Today, with the development of 3D printing technology, businesses all want to involve the technology into their production processes. The applications of 3D printing has been strongly proven in the fields of aerospace, healthcare, automotive, energy... when it optimizes the lead time from months to just weeks or even days. In addition, unlimited manufacturing capabilities that help improve design and performance are also one of the important factors that help 3D printing technology become increasingly used. Additive manufacturing technology can not only benefit those "giants", but can also bring new values to other industries, especially the shoe industry.

Applying 3D printing to shoe production and processing will open new ways for this field. New technology will improve and streamline the production process and can provide unlimited creative opportunities - an element that is certainly essential for a field that always needs innovation.

Conventional shoe sole mold manufacturing process

Let’s have a look at the traditional shoe sole mold manufacturing process:

It can be seen that the normal shoe sole mold manufacturing process has to go through many steps, requires high technical skills and takes a lot of time. The biggest weakness of this process lies in creating textures for the shoe sole. The 3D models originally designed to create wooden masters will not have textures attached to them, but simply a rough shoe sole model because CNC small details on shoe soles are quite difficult. After going through many steps, until the metal mold is completed, the manufacturer begins to "etch" the texture on the shoe sole with acid using the Wet Etching method. Shoe manufacturers often do not do this step themselves, but instead transport shoe sole molds to a third party to create patterns for the mold - this leads to both time and cost savings for manufacturers. . Not only that, the participation of chemicals to corrode metals also creates negative effects on the environment.

Wet Etching method: The metal part that needs to be etched will be covered with a special film and passed through a UV light machine. Then, the staff will remove this film and apply a layer of chemicals on the part does not need to be textured. Finally, the shoe mold will be dipped in another chemical to corrode the unprotected parts and create texture for the mold.

In order to produce sustainably, protect the environment and bring economic benefits, shoe processing and manufacturing units have now begun to approach and incorporate 3D printing into their production processes.

The shoe sole mold production process involves 3D printing technology

 

It can be seen that with the participation of 3D printing technology, the process can be more streamlined. During the 3D model design step, the designer can design the pattern on the shoe sole directly and print the plastic shoe sole model, so that the shoe mold will have the pattern available without having to use acid to engrave like the traditional method.

Applications of 3D printing in the field of shoe manufacturing

Create prototype

The shoe industry must constantly develop and innovate to launch new product lines. Therefore, the prototyping process is extremely important to be able to come up with many different versions for the product being developed.

Previously, prototypes were often produced manually. However, 3D printing today has become a new prototyping solution for shoe manufacturers. 3D printing will help optimize the R&D process, speeding up the time to launch new products for businesses. Not only that, with prototypes, manufacturers can completely ensure that the product they design will meet customer needs and ensure the quality of the product before putting it into mass production.

Create shoe sole molds

To create shoe sole molds using traditional molding methods, manufacturers need to take many steps from designing 3D models, CNC wooden model soles, pouring silicon molds, etching texture on shoe soles with chemicals,... It can be seen that this process is very time consuming and laborious to create a complete shoe sole mold.

With sample products printed with plastics, manufacturers can easily create metal shoe sole molds using the casting method in a more accurate, quick, and convenient way than using the molding method. traditional.

Produce shoe soles

With the advantage of not being limited in structure or shape, 3D printing will open up unlimited design possibilities for shoe manufacturers. Designers can create shoe soles with any shape and structure to increase aesthetics and uniqueness, while also increasing the performance of the product.

Advantages of 3D printing in the field of shoe manufacturing

Sustainability

3D printing will streamline the production process thanks to which prototypes and even products are created quickly and with high applicability. Not only that, the participation of 3D printing technology will completely eliminate toxic chemicals used in the previous shoe production process - benefiting the environment.

Expand your creativity

3D printing has always stood out for its ability to produce objects with complex geometric structures - something that traditional manufacturing cannot do. With 3D printing, shoe manufacturers can completely create new shoe models and lead the trend in this field.

A typical example of this advantage is Adidas' Futurecraft 4D shoe line. With a special honeycomb design on the sole of the shoe, Adidas is currently leading the trend by integrating 3D printing technology to create its products. They are moving towards a future where they can apply this technology to personalize shoe models for each individual customer.

Effective

With the presence of 3D printing, the shoe production process will become more streamlined. Not only that, R&D time and production time are shortened, bringing high efficiency to businesses. 3D printing also allows for the production of personalized shoes in large quantities.

Disadvantages of 3D printing in the field of shoe manufacturing

Production speed is slow

3D printing can produce prototypes faster than traditional methods, however, when put into mass production, the speed of 3D printing is considered slower than casting or injection molding.

Material limitations

The main materials of 3D printing technology are plastic and metal. However, not all plastics or metals can be used as materials for 3D printing. Each technology and 3D printer will have its own material requirements.

Small-scale production

For the application of printing final products for direct use, 3D printing does not bring high economic benefits if produced in large quantities. Although the initial cost of 3D printing is quite low compared to other methods, when produced in large quantities, the cost per unit of product does not decrease like the injection molding method.

Vinnotek: Your Trusted Partner for 3D Printing Design and Simulation Solutions 

To fully leverage the potential of 3D printing, professional design and simulation services are essential. At Vinnotek, we pride ourselves on being a reliable partner, providing 3D printing design and simulation services for critical components across various industries. 

We not only deliver the benefits of advanced 3D printing technology but also serve as the official representative of Nikon SLM Solutions, one of the world's leading metal 3D printer manufacturers, and Titomic, a pioneer in large-scale additive manufacturing applications such as tools, parts, and machinery components, replacing traditional manufacturing methods. 

Combining creativity and professionalism, we are committed to partnering with your business to optimize design, reduce production costs, and enhance work efficiency. 

Contact Vinnotek today to experience innovation and advancement in your industry. 


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